Police hunt for killers of Hexham red kites

Jul 3 2010 by Sophie Doughty, The Journal

CRUEL bird-killers have poisoned a pair of rare red kites.

Police are today hunting the poisoners after tests confirmed that the endangered birds, which died in February, could have been illegally killed.

The red kites’ bodies were found in the Steel area of Hexham, Northumberland.

And investigators from Northumbria Police and the RSPB believe they could have died a slow, painful death after eating poison laid down to kill vermin.

Suspicions were raised after PC Michael Brown, Northumbria Police’s wildlife crime officer for West Northumberland, examined the bodies. When he could find no injuries or signs of gunshot wounds he contacted the conservation organisation, Natural England, which ordered further tests, suspecting the birds had been poisoned.

The bodies were taken to Newcastle Veterinary Laboratories Agency, where a post-mortem examination and toxicology tests were carried out.

And it has now been confirmed that the birds were poisoned.

PC Brown is appealing for anyone who knows how the birds came to die to get in touch. And he has warned that killing a protected species such as a red kite is a serious offence.

“In the past red kites have been persecuted and we need to find out who, and how they have done this,” he said.

“Red kites are a protected species under current legislation and anyone found guilty of killing them could face a custodial sentence or a heavy fine.

“I’d appeal for anyone who knows anything at all about these incidents to contact us.

“You don’t have to give your name and can remain completely anonymous, the information as to how these animals were poisoned is what’s key.”

The red kite’s distinctive profile of raked back wings and forked tail was once a familiar sight in the sky over northern England. But it became extinct in the North East and incredibly rare due to human persecution.

A re-introduction programme was launched nationally in 1989. And red kites were released into the North East in 2003.

Regional director for Natural England Rob Aubrook said: “Thanks to a re-introduction programme started in 1989 by Natural England and the RSPB, there are more than 700 pairs of red kites in England. However, these beautiful birds are still vulnerable to illegal persecution and accidental poisoning.

“Natural England works to protect wildlife from accidental poisoning by encouraging the safe use of modern rat poisons.

“As our recent Wildlife Crime Forum conference also demonstrates, we will continue to work in partnership with enforcement and conservation agencies across the region to prevent further harm to the many diverse species making their homes in the North East.”

James Leonard, Investigations Officer at the RSPB said: “The kites probably died after eating carrion laced with poison. This type of poisoning is both barbaric and indiscriminate; not only does it pose a risk to birds of prey, but also to other wildlife, domestic animals and users of the countryside.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 0345 604 3043 ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.