PSNI investigation underway after tests confirm red kite found dead in Co Down was poisoned
All birds of prey are legally protected in Northern Ireland but a red kite was found dead at the end of December in the Tullymore Road area near Loughbrickland.
It's understood that the red kite died by a targeted poisoning using the rodenticide Chloralose and the insecticide Bendiocarb.
PSNI Superintendent Johnston McDowell is the force's lead for Wildlife Crime and Animal Welfare.
He noted that red kites were reintroduced in the North in 2008 after being extinct in the region for centuries.
'Tragically this is not the first time we have had reports of this nature in this same area,' said McDowell.
Two ravens were also recently found dead having been poisoned using similar chemicals.
McDowell said that anyone who finds a dead bird of prey, such as a red kite, which they suspect to have been poisoned, shot or illegally trapped should contact police and report their concerns.
Advertisement
He issued the same appeal to anyone with information about the illegal trade in these birds.
McDowell added that the poisons used are deadly not only to birds and wildlife, but also to humans.
'Anyone who comes across the body of any of these birds shouldn't touch them, but alert the authorities instead,' said McDowell.
He added that the PSNI works closely with Northern Ireland's Health and Safety Executive and agricultural and environmental Department to identify poisons being used.
'Where a crime is found to have been committed, we will take steps to identify and prosecute offenders,' said McDowell.
Those found guilty of persecution of protected birds of prey can face a custodial sentence and/or fines of up to £5,000 (€5,860) per offence.
A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs remarked that the intentional poisoning of wildlife and birds is 'abhorrent'.
McDowell meanwhile said that the PSNI is using drones to monitor and protect the nesting sites of birds of prey and that this is being done because of instances of birds being targeted with very 'serious and dangerous substances in a number of areas'.
'We will continue to investigate wildlife crime and seek to prevent further instances, whilst bringing offenders to justice,' he added.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
a day ago
- Irish Times
PSNI arrest man in anti-immigrant ‘vigilante' investigation
Police in Northern Ireland have arrested a man as part of an investigation into 'alleged vigilante behaviour' against immigrants in east Belfast . The 37-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault, theft and causing criminal damage. He was in custody on Monday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said. East Belfast district commander, superintendent Gavin Kirkpatrick, said vigilante groups were targeting people based on 'the colour of their skin' and had no legal 'nor moral authority' for their actions. 'The activity of these individuals has been generating fear in the community and it has to stop. They are confronting and intimidating innocent members of the public, largely on the basis of the colour of their skin,' he said. READ MORE 'Those involved have neither the legal nor the moral authority to do this. It is the responsibility of the police service to enforce the law in Northern Ireland.' Additional targeted police patrols have been deployed in east Belfast over the last week to 'engage, challenge and monitor' vigilante groups and provide reassurance to the community, Supt Kirkpatrick said. 'We have made one arrest and our investigations are continuing,' he added. 'I want to urge anyone who has been a victim of these groups to report it to police. We will robustly deal with any offences brought to us.' Supt Kirkpatrick said he wanted to be clear that such groups were 'not protecting the community from anything'. 'In reality, these groups are frustrating our efforts to provide a policing service to the people of east Belfast by forcing us to redirect our limited resources to monitoring them. I urge everyone involved in this type of activity to stop.' He appealed to anyone with any information that could assist the investigation to contact the police or report it online at .
Agriland
a day ago
- Agriland
PSNI investigating theft of 21 sheep in Co. Tyrone
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is appealing for information following the suspected theft of sheep in Co. Tyrone. The PSNI stated that 21 sheep were allegedly stolen from the Glenelly Road in Omagh, stating the alleged theft took place opposite Goles Forest. The police said the incident occurred sometime before August 12 with an investigation now under way. The sheep that were allegedly stolen have been described as black-faced horned Lanark Hoggets. All the sheep which are now missing had being wearing a purple tag with 'D. Brown Goles' labelled on them. The police have asked that anyone that knows the whereabouts of these animals or has any further information on the case to contact them by calling 101 and using the reference number 280 of August 16. In a separate incident, 21 lambs were taken from a field in the Meenagorp Road area of Plumbridge village in Co. Tyrone last month. The incident was reported on July 24, with police appealing for information and stating that a trailer would have been needed to remove the lambs. In a statement regarding the incident, the PSNI appealed to anyone in the area with information to come forward, particularly if they witnessed any suspicious activity or an unfamiliar vehicle. Meanwhile, in England, South Yorkshire police are continuing their appeal for information following an attack on two sheep with a crossbow. The attack took place some time during the night of July 22 or into the morning of July 23 in Wadworth, Doncaster, according to police. The farmer reported the incident at 7:30a.m on July 23 following his morning checks, saying he found the two sheep injured in the field after being struck by crossbow arrows. The police confirmed the arrows were still stuck in the sheep when they arrived, but were soon removed by the officers. In a statement, the officers said that the sheep were in a great deal of stress but have been treated since and recovering well.
RTÉ News
a day ago
- RTÉ News
PSNI investigating possible offences following pro-Palestine rally in Belfast
The PSNI have said that they are investigating whether any criminal offences were committed following a pro-Palestinian rally in Belfast city centre. Hundreds of people attended the event at Belfast City Hall yesterday, with a small number displaying posters and placards in support of Palestine Action. The PSNI had previously warned that anyone carrying placards or wearing clothing showing support for the proscribed group may be committing an offence. Palestine Action was proscribed by the UK government in July, with the ban meaning that membership of, or support for, the group is a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act 2000. No arrests were made during the "Defend the Right to Protest" rally yesterday. However, police said they attended the event in Donegall Square North area and have launched an investigation. A statement said: "Officers were deployed to the operation, including specially trained evidence gatherers, assisted by the Air Support Unit. "During the demonstration, those involved blocked Chichester Street for a short period of time. "Officers issued a number of warnings in relation to potential offences being committed. "Several individuals in attendance were identified as being suspected of possessing articles indicating support for a proscribed organisation. "Police are reviewing the evidence gathered in order to establish whether any offences have been committed." The PSNI said it also received a report of an assault involving a protester and a member of the public which it was investigating. The force said inquiries are ongoing into this incident and has made an appeal for footage that could assist the investigation. The statement added: "The right to protest, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights. "These are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest, balanced against the rights and protection of others. "We encourage anyone engaging in protest activity or attending demonstrations to do so lawfully and with consideration for other members of the public who wish to go about their daily business. "A full investigation has been launched and police will review all available evidence to establish whether any further offences have been committed." Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSNI. The previous weekend, a 74-year-old woman was arrested for wearing a Palestine Action T-shirt in Belfast at an anti-racism rally. Amnesty International has called on the PSNI to "uphold people's right to protest against the genocide being perpetrated in Gaza".
