Latest news with #Chloralose
The Journal
14 hours ago
- The Journal
PSNI investigation underway after tests confirm red kite found dead in Co Down was poisoned
THE PSNI has launched an investigation after tests confirmed that a red kite which was found dead in Co Down had been fatally 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
Irish Independent
16 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Police investigate after red kite found fatally poisoned in Co Down
A police spokesperson said tests have confirmed the legally protected bird, which was found dead near Loughbrickland, had been poisoned. It was discovered on land in the Tullymore Road area at the end of December, and has been found to have died by what police believe to have been targeted poisoning using the rodenticide Chloralose and the insecticide Bendiocarb. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Red kites previously had vanished entirely from Northern Ireland due to illegal persecution 200 years ago, and were re-introduced in 2008. Mr McDowell said red kites, along with all birds of prey, are protected in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order. He said this case is 'not the first time we have had reports of this nature in this same area'. 'Two ravens were also recently found dead having been poisoned using similar chemicals, and it saddens me that these incredible birds are being intentionally killed,' he said. Those found guilty of persecution of protected birds of prey can face a custodial sentence and/or fines of up to £5,000 per offence. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) along with Northern Ireland Environment Agency has conducted a number of inquiries along with a site visit, and utilised the technical and advisory support of the UK's National Wildlife Crime Unit throughout the time since the discovery of the red kite. Officers have also worked with colleagues in the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development to identify poisons being used. Mr McDowell added: 'Our Operation Raptor, Peregrine Watch, is an initiative between the PAW Bird of Prey Sub Group and our Air Support Unit, working alongside local police officers, which uses drones to monitor and protect the nesting sites of birds of prey, and is a direct result of birds being targeted, just like in this case, with very serious and dangerous substances in a number of areas across Northern Ireland. 'Along with our partners we will continue to investigate wildlife crime and seek to prevent further instances, whilst bringing offenders to justice.' A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said: 'The intentional poisoning wildlife and birds is abhorrent. 'Supplying, storing (being in possession of) or using a Plant Protection Product (PPP), that has been banned, is an offence. 'It is also an offence to use an authorised PPP in contravention of the conditions and the specific restrictions established by the authorisation and specified on the product label. 'If convicted of committing an offence, fines will incur.'
Belfast Telegraph
17 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Deeply troubling': Police investigation launched after red kite found fatally poisoned in Co Down
The legally protected bird of prey was discovered on land in the Tullymore Road area at the end of December. Subsequent testing confirmed the red kite had been killed using two highly toxic substances – the rodenticide Chloralose and the insecticide Bendiocarb – both of which pose serious risks to wildlife and humans. Red kites previously had vanished entirely from Northern Ireland due to illegal persecution 200 years ago, and were re-introduced in 2008. Superintendent Johnston McDowell, the Police Service of Northern Ireland's lead officer for Wildlife Crime and Animal Welfare, described the incident as 'deeply troubling'. 'These birds were reintroduced to Northern Ireland in 2008 after being extinct here for centuries,' he said. 'Tragically, this is not the first time we have had reports of this nature in the same area. Two ravens were also recently found dead, poisoned with similar chemicals, and it saddens me that these incredible birds are being intentionally killed.' Red kites and all birds of prey are protected under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011. The discovery of yet another suspected case of targeted poisoning has prompted a joint response from multiple agencies. News Catch Up - June 25th 2025 PSNI officers, alongside the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, carried out a site visit and made enquiries with the technical support of the UK's National Wildlife Crime Unit. The force also works in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to investigate illegal use of banned or misused pesticides and poisons. Superintendent McDowell warned of the wider dangers posed by the toxic substances involved. 'The poisons used in these incidents are deadly not only to birds and wildlife, but also to humans,' he said. 'Anyone who finds a dead bird of prey, such as a red kite, and suspects it has been poisoned, shot or illegally trapped, should not touch it but contact police immediately.' He added that anyone found guilty of persecuting birds of prey could face fines of up to £5,000 per offence and custodial sentences. The Health and Safety Executive NI (HSENI), which enforces Biocidal Product Regulations in Northern Ireland, also warned that enforcement action would be taken against anyone misusing dangerous chemicals. 'Where duty-holders are found to have incorrectly used or have misused biocidal products or continue to use or store products that have been withdrawn from the market, HSENI will take appropriate enforcement action,' a spokesperson said. 'This highlights the importance of responsible use of all chemicals.' A spokesperson for DAERA added: 'The intentional poisoning of wildlife and birds is abhorrent. Supplying, storing or using a Plant Protection Product that has been banned is an offence. 'It is also an offence to use an authorised PPP in contravention of the conditions established by its authorisation and specified on the product label. If convicted, fines will apply.' As part of wider efforts to tackle such crimes, the PSNI has launched Operation Raptor – Peregrine Watch, a partnership initiative using drones to monitor bird of prey nesting sites in high-risk areas. 'Operation Raptor is a direct response to birds being targeted with very serious and dangerous substances,' Superintendent McDowell said. 'Alongside our partners, we will continue to investigate wildlife crime and bring offenders to justice.'
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Police investigate after red kite found fatally poisoned in Co Down
Police in Northern Ireland have launched an investigation after a red kite was found fatally poisoned in Co Down. A police spokesperson said tests have confirmed the legally protected bird, which was found dead near Loughbrickland, had been poisoned. It was discovered on land in the Tullymore Road area at the end of December, and has been found to have died by what police believe to have been targeted poisoning using the rodenticide Chloralose and the insecticide Bendiocarb. Testing confirms red kites found dead in December were poisoned. Read more: — Police Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (@PSNIABC) June 25, 2025 Red kites previously had vanished entirely from Northern Ireland due to illegal persecution 200 years ago, and were re-introduced in 2008. Mr McDowell said red kites, along with all birds of prey, are protected in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order. He said this case is 'not the first time we have had reports of this nature in this same area'. 'Two ravens were also recently found dead having been poisoned using similar chemicals, and it saddens me that these incredible birds are being intentionally killed,' he said. Those found guilty of persecution of protected birds of prey can face a custodial sentence and/or fines of up to £5,000 per offence. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) along with Northern Ireland Environment Agency has conducted a number of inquiries along with a site visit, and utilised the technical and advisory support of the UK's National Wildlife Crime Unit throughout the time since the discovery of the red kite. Officers have also worked with colleagues in the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development to identify poisons being used. Mr McDowell added: 'Our Operation Raptor, Peregrine Watch, is an initiative between the PAW Bird of Prey Sub Group and our Air Support Unit, working alongside local police officers, which uses drones to monitor and protect the nesting sites of birds of prey, and is a direct result of birds being targeted, just like in this case, with very serious and dangerous substances in a number of areas across Northern Ireland. 'Along with our partners we will continue to investigate wildlife crime and seek to prevent further instances, whilst bringing offenders to justice.' A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said: 'The intentional poisoning wildlife and birds is abhorrent. 'Supplying, storing (being in possession of) or using a Plant Protection Product (PPP), that has been banned, is an offence. 'It is also an offence to use an authorised PPP in contravention of the conditions and the specific restrictions established by the authorisation and specified on the product label. 'If convicted of committing an offence, fines will incur.' Wildlife crime can be reported by calling 101, or a report can be made online via
