Four birds of prey have been found dead after being poisoned by illegal pesticides in Staffordshire and the Peak District, prompting an urgent police appeal. The victims include peregrine falcons and a common buzzard, discovered over a three-week period during the Covid lockdown.
Dead Birds Discovered Across Three Weeks:
Saturday 16 May: A common buzzard and a peregrine falcon were found dead in woodland near Longnor.
Tuesday 19 May: Another peregrine falcon was discovered dead at Beeston Tor near Wetton.
Thursday 4 June: A third peregrine falcon was found dead in a quarry near Waterhouses.
Two of these locations are within the Peak District National Park, close to known peregrine falcon breeding sites. Toxicology tests confirmed all four birds were poisoned by the same banned pesticide. At least two incidents involved pigeon bait laced with the toxic substance.
Staffordshire Police are actively investigating the case. The birds are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and offenders face unlimited fines and up to six months imprisonment.
Detective Inspector Tim Boulton said, “To find out that these birds have been deliberately targeted and poisoned is truly dreadful. We are working to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice. A harmful substance in the countryside endangers wildlife, people, and pets. If you find a dead bird or suspicious object, don’t touch it. Take photos and note landmarks to help police.”
Mark Thomas, RSPB Head of Investigations, added, “Peregrines are the fastest birds in the world, yet poisoning cuts their lives short. For this to happen repeatedly in a National Park is alarming. Please call police immediately if you spot anything suspicious.”
Sarah Fowler, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park, stated, “Illegal poisoning is totally unacceptable. We urge anyone with information to come forward and help bring criminals to justice.”
Natural England’s Dave Slater emphasized, “Raptor persecution is a national crime priority. We work closely with Police and NGOs to tackle this vile activity. Please report any suspicions.”
How to Report Suspicious Activity:
Staffordshire Police: Call 101 quoting incident number 232 of 16 May or report online at staffordshire.police.uk/report. You can also contact via Facebook or Twitter.
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
RSPB Raptor Crime Hotline: 0300 999 0101
Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme Hotline: 0800 321 600
Anyone with information, no matter how small, could help catch the poisoner and protect precious wildlife.
Originally published by UKNIP.
