Rare birds of prey found dead on country estate

NINE dead birds of prey, including several threatened species, have been uncovered at a sporting estate in the Borders after a raid by police and conservation organisations.

The bodies of five barn owls, two buzzards, one tawny owl and one kestrel were discovered on estate premises after a search by RSPB Scotland, Lothian and Borders Police, the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and officers from the Executive’s environment and rural affairs department.

The bodies are to undergo a post-mortem examination to establish whether the birds were killed deliberately.

Several other items, including banned pesticides and suspected poisons, were also retrieved from the estate.

Dave Dick, the head of investigations for RSPB Scotland, said: "We are increasingly working together with police forces and other groups in wildlife and environment investigations. With our combined knowledge and improved legislation, more wildlife criminals are being caught and dealt with by Scottish courts.

"Cases like this highlight the very real and continuing threat to our birds of prey."

Poisoning is an ongoing threat to Scottish wildlife. In 2003, ten red kites were confirmed as having been illegally poisoned, the most recorded in a single year. However, these are only the reported cases, and experts believe many more may occur without discovery.

Mr Dick called on walkers, or anyone who finds a dead bird of prey, to report it to the RSPB.

An earlier, unconnected, search in the Borders led to the discovery of a large quantity of poisons, banned pesticides and poisoned bait. As a result, a man has been charged with 48 offences. It is believed the poisons may have been used to kill wildlife.

Constable Mark Rafferty, wildlife crime officer for Lothian and Borders Police, said: "Persecution of any wildlife, in particular birds of prey, is a very serious threat and will be investigated by all relevant organisations. Police forces are taking a much more pro-active approach to tackling wildlife crime, and tougher legislation backs that up."

The Duke of Buccleuch, who in the past has attacked the RSPB for exaggerating the poisoning problem, said: "I was shocked by the report and hope the perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice. The number of barn owls killed is especially deplorable. The killing of red kites elsewhere is completely pointless as they are only interested in carrion."