Reward to catch eagle poisoners

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RSPB Scotland said it was determined to catch the culprits

The poisoning of two golden eagles has seen RSPB Scotland offer a

reward for the first time in its history to help catch the culprits.

The deaths in the Glenfeshie Estate in the Cairngorms and Dinnet and

Kinnord Estate near Ballater, in Aberdeenshire, are being

investigated.

 

RSPB Scotland is now offering £1,000 for information on each death

which leads to arrest and conviction.

 

It said the deaths, which took place in May and June, were " dreadful

crimes " .

 

The Ballater death being probed by Grampian Police happened on 13

May, and Northern Constabulary is investigating a similar incident in

the Cairngorms from June 10.

 

It is the first time RSPB Scotland has offered a financial reward for

information in relation to the death of a bird.

 

Hopefully the reward will stimulate the public to come forward with

information and we can trace those responsible

 

Grampian Police

 

It hopes the move will highlight the serious nature of this type of

crime, as well as underlining the RSPB Scotland and police

determination to detect those responsible and bring them to justice.

 

It is understood that both birds were poisoned using illegal

carbofuran poison. Possession of this substance is in itself a crime.

 

'Awe inspiring'

 

Stuart Housden, director of RSPB Scotland, said: " Golden eagles are

magnificent icons of the Scottish uplands.

 

" We should be proud that Scotland supports some 442 pairs of these

awe inspiring birds that attract tourists from all over the world.

 

" Yet some in our country selfishly persecute these birds, through the

use of poisoned baits or other means. In space of just three months,

two dead eagles have been found - killed illegally. "

 

 

Police hope the RSPB Scotland reward will help the appeal

 

Grampian Police wildlife officer Dave MacKinnon: " We look forward to

developing our partnership with the RSPB Scotland in relation to what

is a very serious offence.

 

" Hopefully the reward will stimulate the public to come forward with

information and we can trace those responsible. "

 

And Northern Constabulary wildlife crime co-ordinator John Bryden

said: " The force takes any type of crime against wildlife very

seriously and we are continuing our inquiries into this incident.

 

" Obviously we are delighted that the RSPB Scotland has opted to put

up a reward in relation to this crime and we hope that someone with

information will come forward. "

 

Anyone with information can contact either Northern or Grampian, or

Crimestoppers, or the Campaign Against Illegal Poisoning of Wildlife

on 0800 321 600.