Pigeons laced with poison used to kill birds of prey

PIGEONS laced with poison are being used to kill birds of prey, a major new study has revealed.

The first national report on the persecution and poisoning of endangered bird species found at least 33 were killed in 2011.

The study, published by the Department of Heritage and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, follows ongoing tensions over the reintroduction of birds of prey.

The report comes as two white-tailed eagles were hatched here for the first time in 100 years earlier this week.

The study recorded the deaths of species including red kites, common buzzards, peregrine falcons, hen harriers, sparrowhawks and kestrels.

BirdWatch Ireland said all ‘died cruel and unnecessary deaths’.

Seven red kites are believed to have died after eating rodents that had ingested poison. However, live pigeons illegally laced with poison were used to lure two young buzzards and a sparrowhawk to their deaths.

In total, 15 birds were killed by poisoning and a further eight were shot.

Another bird died from what were described as ‘injuries induced after sustaining human-inflicted injuries to one of its wings’.

BirdWatch Ireland raptor conservation officer John Lusby said the findings represented only a fraction of the birds of prey killed each year.

‘Every year through BirdWatch Ireland we collate many more reliable reports of illegal activities such as shooting or poisoning,’ he said.

Jimmy Deenihan, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht welcomed the report, saying: ‘It is simply not acceptable for majestic birds of prey and other wildlife to be persecuted or poisoned.’