Poisoned Red Kite – Castle Douglas
Police Scotland report that the results of forensic tests on the body of a red kite which was found in the Castle Douglas area in January this year has established that the bird died as the result of ingesting a rodenticide poison which is used in the control of mice and rats. The bird was found in early January on the B794 road near to Townhead of Greenlaw, Castle Douglas, and was thought initially to have been struck and killed by a vehicle.
Subsequent laboratory tests to establish the cause of death has resulted in the discovery of a blue/green material in the gullet of the bird. Examination of this material has found it to be a rodenticide material which is readily obtainable for the control of rodents at retail outlets.
Constable Simon Kennedy, Wildlife Crime Officer for Police Scotland in the Stewartry says “this discovery again highlights the dangers that these types of poisons pose to birds of prey. At this stage we are keeping an open mind in our investigations into this case. Working with our colleagues in the RSPB we regularly make appeals to those who use any type of approved poison in the countryside to be aware of the dangers to other birds and animals that may be affected by them. I would make the appeal that if anyone has any information which may help clear this matter up, or indeed any other wildlife type issue, then they can call us on 101.”
Picture Credit , Kieth Kirk Photographer http://www.dumfriesandgallowaywildlife.co.uk/
