Reward offered for Golden eagle killers.
FOR the first time ever RSPB Scotland has put up a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for the poisoning of 2 protected golden eagles.
The Northern Constabulary is conducting inquiries into the poisoning of a Golden eagle at the Glenfeshie Estate in the Cairngorms around June 10, and the Grampian Police is conducting an inquiry into a similar death at Dinnet and Kinnord Estate near Ballater ir May.
These is great concern about the crimes at RSPB Scotland and officials at the organisation have decided to offer a reward of £1000 for each crime for 'convicting' information.
Stop Press. Anonymous donors increase the reward to £10,000, or £5000 per crime.
The fact that has never before offered a reward highlights the seriousness of this crime, and underlines the determination of the RSPB Scotland and the Police to bring those responsible to justice.
It is believed that both eagles were poisoned with illegal carbofuran poison.
The Northern Constabulary is conducting inquiries into the poisoning of a Golden eagle at the Glenfeshie Estate in the Cairngorms around June 10, and the Grampian Police is conducting an inquiry into a similar death at Dinnet and Kinnord Estate near Ballater ir May.
These is great concern about the crimes at RSPB Scotland and officials at the organisation have decided to offer a reward of £1000 for each crime for 'convicting' information.
Stop Press. Anonymous donors increase the reward to £10,000, or £5000 per crime.
The fact that has never before offered a reward highlights the seriousness of this crime, and underlines the determination of the RSPB Scotland and the Police to bring those responsible to justice.
It is believed that both eagles were poisoned with illegal carbofuran poison.
The law
- Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence for any person to intentionally or recklessly kill or injure a wild bird.
- It is also an offence to have in your possession carbofuran poison.
PC John Bryden, Wildlife Crime Co-ordinator at Northern Constabulary, said: 'The Force takes any type of crime against wildlife very seriously and we are continuing our inquiries into this incident. We are delighted that the RSPB Scotland has opted to put up a reward in relation to this crime and we hope that someone with information will come forward.'
Grampian Police Wildlife Officer, PC Dave McKinnon, is also appealing for information in relation to the poisoning of a golden eagle on the Dinnet and Kinnord Estate.
PC McKinnon said: 'We look forward to developing our partnership with the RSPB Scotland in relation to what is a very serious offence. Hopefully the reward will stimulate the public to come forward with information and we can trace those responsible.'
Stuart Housden, Director of RSPB Scotland, said: 'Golden eagles are magnificent icons of the Scottish uplands and we should be proud that Scotland supports some 442 pairs of these awe inspiring birds that attract tourists from all over the world. Yet some in our country selfishly persecute these birds, through the use of poisoned baits or other means. In space of just 3 months, two dead eagles have been found – killed illegally.'
He added: 'Through the Police we are now appealing for information to help bring the perpetrators to justice. For each case, we are offering a £1000 reward for information that leads to a successful prosecution. We appeal to anyone who has information to contact the Police so we can put a stop to these dreadful crimes.'
The Police urge that anyone who finds a dead bird or a carcass, which may have been left there for bait, not to touch anything but to report their finding to Police. Officers would also ask the public to inform Police only and avoid touching the area as potential evidence may be destroyed.
PC Bryden added: 'Poison such as carbofuran is extremely dangerous to humans and pets and we would urge people who find carcasses not to touch them and contact Police immediately.
'Baits can include such things as animal carcasses - rabbits, sheep, pigeons or even chickens from a supermarket - which have been cut open and had poison administered.'
Anyone with any information about either crime is asked to contact Northern Constabulary on 01463 715555, Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers 24-7 anonymously on 0800 555 111 or The Campaign Against Illegal Poisoning number which is 0800 321 600.
Grampian Police Wildlife Officer, PC Dave McKinnon, is also appealing for information in relation to the poisoning of a golden eagle on the Dinnet and Kinnord Estate.
PC McKinnon said: 'We look forward to developing our partnership with the RSPB Scotland in relation to what is a very serious offence. Hopefully the reward will stimulate the public to come forward with information and we can trace those responsible.'
Stuart Housden, Director of RSPB Scotland, said: 'Golden eagles are magnificent icons of the Scottish uplands and we should be proud that Scotland supports some 442 pairs of these awe inspiring birds that attract tourists from all over the world. Yet some in our country selfishly persecute these birds, through the use of poisoned baits or other means. In space of just 3 months, two dead eagles have been found – killed illegally.'
He added: 'Through the Police we are now appealing for information to help bring the perpetrators to justice. For each case, we are offering a £1000 reward for information that leads to a successful prosecution. We appeal to anyone who has information to contact the Police so we can put a stop to these dreadful crimes.'
The Police urge that anyone who finds a dead bird or a carcass, which may have been left there for bait, not to touch anything but to report their finding to Police. Officers would also ask the public to inform Police only and avoid touching the area as potential evidence may be destroyed.
PC Bryden added: 'Poison such as carbofuran is extremely dangerous to humans and pets and we would urge people who find carcasses not to touch them and contact Police immediately.
'Baits can include such things as animal carcasses - rabbits, sheep, pigeons or even chickens from a supermarket - which have been cut open and had poison administered.'
Anyone with any information about either crime is asked to contact Northern Constabulary on 01463 715555, Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers 24-7 anonymously on 0800 555 111 or The Campaign Against Illegal Poisoning number which is 0800 321 600.
