Plea as dogs and buzzards are poisoned
A Perthshire estate has offered a £5,000 reward for information, after three working dogs and two buzzards died from poisoning.
Between October 2017 and April this year, the five animals were killed by illegal poisoning incidents in and around the Edradynate Estate and the Pitnacree Estate, both near Aberfeldy.
Now, Edradynate Estate wants to make sure people report these incidents to police to ensure no other animals are harmed in this way.
A spokesperson for the estate said:“The estate is offering a £5,000 reward for anyone providing information that results in the prosecution and conviction of the perpetrator of these poisonings.
“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.”
This comes after Police Scotland’s wildlife crime unit issued an appeal for information.
A wildlife crime liaison officer from Police Scotland said:“The owners are understandably extremely upset at the loss of their dogs. Once again,w e 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 should contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”