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‘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.
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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.'
