Buzzard found poisoned in Ayrshire

03/12/2018

Police Scotland has issued a warning after an illegally poisoned Common Buzzard was found on the outskirts of Mauchline, Ayrshire, on 2 November by a member of the public.. It was still alive upon discovery, although in a severely distressed state, but thankfully survived the ordeal. A toxicology report confirmed the buzzard had ingested poison.

As a result of the report verdict, Police Scotland are concerned that this illegal activity is happening in the area and have appealed to the public for any information that may lead to detecting the person responsible for this deliberate act.

PC Sam Briggs, Wildlife Crime Officer, said: "It is a serious concern that someone has targeted wildlife in this illegal and indiscriminate manner. If anything unusual is discovered I would advise not to touch it, but instead cover it if you can and contact the police, giving them the exact location."

Police are working alongside partner agencies Scottish SPCA, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture and Agricultural Officers to fully investigate the matter. Anyone with information on the illegal use of pesticides or who may has seen something suspicious – particularly in the last month or so – is advised to call 101 and quote No: SP-20181120-2194 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

This latest episode involving Common Buzzards is one of several to have occurred during the last 12 months, with other incidents having taken place in Co Cork, Powys and North Yorkshire.

Source  

Dead owls at Ayrshire bird sanctuary were dumped in a freezer says animal lover who found icy tomb

Ian Middleton allegedly found the creatures traumatised and living in appalling conditions when he arrived unannounced to collect them

EXCLUSIVE

By Gail Cameron

9th December 2017, 9:58 pm

DEAD owls at a bird sanctuary were dumped in a freezer, it’s claimed.

An animal lover said he discovered the icy tomb as he returned to pick up his flock from temporary care while his rescue centre flitted.

Ian Middleton was told four birds of prey perished at Hoots Forever Home in Dalry, Ayrshire.

Recalling the horror, his partner Carole Rose, 62, said: “A volunteer spent nearly two hours bringing birds out the freezer one at a time, asking ‘Is this yours?’

“Of all the dead birds shown, which was over a dozen, three were ours – a kestrel, a barn owl and a buzzard.”

Carole said they sent 23 birds to the charity for five months in 2015 while moving their Wild Wings rehab base in Warrington, Cheshire.

Ian allegedly found the creatures traumatised and living in appalling conditions when he arrived unannounced to collect them.

And the horrified couple were stunned to be hit with a £9,500 feed bill by charity chief Lisa Kennedy — despite some of their flock missing from the invoice.

Continued