Police Scotland have confirmed in a statement that the deaths of the buzzards and red kites in the Black Isle earlier this year were in fact due to banned poisons. The statement has dismissed widely-circulated rumours spread online that the investigation had found that the bird deaths connected with the RSPB’s Red Kite feeding station at Tollie.
The RSPB has branded the rumours that it was responsible for the deaths “completely outrageous”. RSPB Scotland volunteer Andrea Goddard told the BBC that “these anonymous rumour-mongers seem to be attempting to muddy the waters and mislead the general public.” Mrs Goddard said that the regular feeding birds at the Tollie Red Kites viewing centre have all survived the “mass poisoning”.
Red Kite
The Police Statement statement reads: “Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division are seeking to reassure the public that enquiries are still ongoing into a wildlife crime investigation regarding the death of birds of prey in the Ross-shire area.
“The 22 birds (sixteen red kites and six buzzards) were located in the Conon Bridge area and following analysis of the birds’ remains, fifteen have been confirmed as having digested an illegally-held poisonous substance (twelve red kites and three buzzards). Post mortem examinations and toxicology work continues into all the birds seized.
“Police Scotland is continuing to work in close collaboration with partner agencies. Landowners and farmers in the local area are also continuing to assist police with their ongoing enquiries.
“Police are keen to speak to anyone who has any information about the incident and would encourage them to contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.