Investigation launched after dogs and buzzards poisoned

Police are investigating after three dogs and two birds of prey were poisoned.

Between October 2017 and April 2018, three working dogs and two buzzards died as a result of poisoning in and around the Edradynate and Pitnacree estates area in rural Perthshire.

A Police Scotland Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer said: "The owners are understandably extremely upset at the loss of their dogs.

"Once again, we also find ourselves investigating the illegal killing of raptors and this is extremely disappointing.

"The poisons which have been used in both cases are illegal poisons and have been banned from use in the UK for many years.

!We have searched the areas and our investigations to date would suggest that there is not a wider threat to public safety.

"However, all members of the public in the area are asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour, especially during the hours of darkness.

"Anyone with information that may assist our inquiries should contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.''

A spokewoman for Edradynate Estate said: "These are appalling incidents that have affected local estates and farms.

"We reported a number of these incidents to Police Scotland and have been working closely with them to provide help to the investigation but in spite of this, we have most recently seen the terrible death by poisoning of a sheepdog when it was most needed during the lambing period.

"We would urge anyone with information, especially if they see anything suspicious late at night, to contact Police Scotland as soon as possible.''

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "I am appalled to learn that three dogs and two birds of prey have been killed in Perthshire. It is particularly disturbing that they have been poisoned, as we have seen a sharp reduction in this type of wildlife crime in recent years.

"The use of poison is not only illegal, it is cruel and barbaric and threatens all kinds of wildlife and domestic animals which come into contact with it. There is absolutely no excuse for this criminal behaviour.

"We have taken action to deal with killing of birds of prey, including strengthening the police with a new team of special constables specialising in wildlife crime work in the Cairngorms National Park, and we hope to take a similar approach more widely across Scotland.

"We continue to prioritise wildlife crime, including through a new wildlife crime detective post at Police Scotland HQ, and last month I welcomed new research which unlocks the potential use of DNA profiles to track criminals which could play a crucial role in helping secure convictions."