Global News - August 2007

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Another red kite poisoned in Scotland

Thu 23 August 2007 16:30 UK — Europe

Wildlife officials in Scotland have confirmed that another red kite has been poisoned to death in Perthshire.

Earlier this year, two red kites were killed in the region and subsequent tests revealed that the birds had been poisoned with carbofuran - a toxin which was banned in the UK in 2001.

Now, Tayside Police have confirmed that a third dead kite was recently discovered on the edge of the Glenturret Estate near Crieff.

Wildlife and environment officer Alan Stewart said: "It is an absolute disgrace that a method commonly employed to kill birds of prey two centuries ago is still in use in 2007.

"Pesticides can easily kill people as well as wildlife yet these deadly baits are still left out in the open.

"Last year saw the highest incidence of poisoning of birds of prey in more than a decade and this could well be equalled if not overtaken in 2007."

The owners of the estate added that they were "appalled" and that they would be "fully supportive" of effort to track down the perpetrators.

Earlier this month, a rare golden eagle was poisoned in the Scottish Boarders region.

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