'Cruel and callous': Birds of prey found dead on golf course after being poisoned

Police are appealing for information after two birds of prey were poisoned in Castle Douglas.

A member of the public found a dead red kite and wood pigeon on Castle Douglas golf course on April 10.

It was discovered that the protected bird of prey had been poisoned, and the wood pigeon had been used as poisoned bait.

A second dead red kite was found nearby on April 15.

The two birds ingested the same type of highly toxic poison, resulting in their death.

National Wildlife Crime coordinator detective sergeant David Lynn said: “Red kites are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and it is illegal to kill this protected species.

“Poisoning a bird or animal is not only cruel and callous, but it can harm other wildlife as well as members of the public.

“The use of this poison in a public area is extremely dangerous and poses a significant risk to anyone who comes into contact with it.

“Our enquiries are ongoing, and we are working with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

“We would urge the public not to handle any dead animals they may find in this area of Castle Douglas, and if there are suspicious circumstances, I would ask you to report this to police.

“I would appeal to anyone with any information about the poisoning of these birds to contact us.”

If you saw anything suspicious or have any information about poisoning in the area, contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 0785 of April 10.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.