Dead buzzards were poisoned say Police

Northern Constabulary are appealing for information after two buzzards were found poisoned next to a rabbit bait in a farm field near Boat of Garten next to the A95 road on 15 October this year.

The birds were found by Strathspey Estate staff, who immediately alerted Police. Subsequent examination of the birds and the bait confirmed that the banned pesticide ‘carbofuran’ had been used to kill the birds. Northern Constabulary and Strathspey estate are working closely together in the investigation of this incident.

A spokesman for Strathspey Estate commented: “Everyone at the estate is shocked by this discovery. Considering the efforts made to enhance the wildlife conservation and biodiversity on the estate, it is inconceivable that any of our staff had any part whatsoever in the laying of poisoned bait responsible for the deaths of two buzzards near Boat of Garten.

“Everyone employed by the estate deplores all forms of wildlife crime, and we are working closely with Northern Constabulary to find who is responsible. At this point, and while investigations continue, we are unable to comment further.”