RSPB Scotland has set up a Justgiving web page after being inundated by calls from members of the public asking to contribute to a reward for information about the deaths of 16 birds of prey.
The conservation charity is responding to an outpouring of support from the public, many of whom have expressed a wish to donate money.
Police Scotland confirmed earlier this week that 12 red kites and four buzzards were found dead in Ross-shire. At least some of the birds were illegally poisoned.
Red Kite
RSPB Scotland is offering a £5,000 reward for information that leads to a successful conviction. An anonymous donor has pledged a further £5,000, taking the total on offer to £10,000.
The Justgiving webpage will allow those who want to make a financial contribution to the reward to do so. Any contributions will be added to the money pledged for information that leads to a successful conviction.
In the event that the reward is not needed, the fund will be used for RSPB Scotland’s wildlife crime investigations work to reduce wildlife crime and safeguard birds of prey in Scotland.
Duncan Orr-Ewing, Head of Species and Land Management for RSPB Scotland, said: “Our staff have been inundated with calls from concerned members of the public voicing their personal anger and frustration about this appalling incident and calling for firm action by the authorities against the perpetrators. Many have said they would like to contribute financially to the reward already on offer, and this Justgiving webpage will allow those who wish to do so. We urge anyone with information to contact Police Scotland as soon as possible.”
The Justgiving webpage can be found at: http://www.justgiving.com/wildlifecrimescotland
Cameron McNeish wrote a Walkhighlands column on the attitudes of some “old countryside dinosaurs” towards raptors last month, before the latest deaths.