RSPB: charity calls for tightening of laws on illegal poisons in NI
It follows a new report which said four Peregrine Falcons and a Red Kite were found dead after consuming baits laced with banned pesticides
A charity has urged decision-makers in Northern Ireland to help tighten up laws after revealing that banned poisons are killing birds of prey
The RSPB's newly-released Birdcrime report showed that in 2022 four Peregrine Falcons and a Red Kite were illegally killed in Northern Ireland.
The wildlife charity said it was after they consumed baits laced with banned pesticides.
Earlier this year, two rare white-tailed Eagles (main picture) were found dead in Co Antrim.
Since 2009 a total of 13 red kites have been poisoned.
Now, the charity has said there was significant concern that this is preventing the reintroduced population from recovering to sustainable levels.
RSPB Director of Operations Gregory Woulahan, said the situation was unacceptable and has called on the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to act.
"The continued use of banned pesticides in Northern Ireland’s countryside is not only a criminal act, but it is also dangerous," he said.
"The appalling incident at Glenwherry in the Antrim Hills earlier this year, where two White-tailed Eagles, one of our rarest birds of prey, were killed after consuming poisoned bait, brought into focus the impact these chemicals can have, not only on birds, but potentially pets, livestock or even people who inadvertently come into contact with them.
"“That’s why we are also urging DAERA to consider establishing a poisons amnesty, similar to what has been carried out elsewhere in the UK. This would allow anyone with a stockpile of illegal to use, or out of date pesticides, to surrender them anonymously for safe disposal.”
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