Red Kites Found Dead

[Gaina]

Originally Posted by aestarte

what is the exact law about things like this because it seems to be more and more frequent recently, is it because they know they can get away with it or what?

I don't know but what I would like to know is if I come across the culprits, would I be committing a crime if I took them to a place where no-one can hear them scream? Y'know like the conundrum about the tree falling over in the rain forest? **bats eyelids innocently**

[aeshna5]

Hope if they catch the moron (some chance!) he is given a prison sentence + a hefty fine, though I'd prefer him to be sent to Sudan for more appropriate punishment!

It is criminal that these magnificent birds aren't being allowed to flourish.

[stephen p]

I keep asking myself why??

its a absolute disgrace and fills me with anger. if they are caught then some proper justice needs to be put on them, but im afraid to say it probably wouldnt be and they would get away with it

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by stephen p

I keep asking myself why?? ...

I think the reasons for the poisoning are actually quite well known - it's because gamekeepers still see Red Kites (and most other birds of prey) as a threat to the Pheasants, Grouse, Partridge and other game birds they are employed to protect (for shooting later )

All the research I've read on the subject seems to indicate they are not, so it's surely a matter of educating landowners and their gamekeepers as well as imposing more severe penalties for breaches of the law.

Jeff

[stephen p]

Originally Posted by JeffH

I think the reasons for the poisoning are actually quite well known - it's because gamekeepers still see Red Kites (and most other birds of prey) as a threat to the Pheasants, Grouse, Partridge and other game birds they are employed to protect (for shooting later )

All the research I've read on the subject seems to indicate they are not, so it's surely a matter of educating landowners and their gamekeepers as well as imposing more severe penalties for breaches of the law.

Jeff

its just makes no sense, i dont really know what to say im lost for words.

You're right Jeff these people need educating or face the consequences

[Helo]

Although a bird with a large wingspan, the red kite is not very strong. They will occasionally take live prey, mainly small mammals, and sick/weak birds, but primarily they feed on carrion, as well as taking earthworms, and so on, that have been brought to the surface by farmers, etc. when working the field.

Because of their lack of strength (they only weigh a couple of lbs!) they are physically unable to take anything larger than say a baby rabbit. Anything bigger and they will struggle.

[denisg]

I think the situation here is potentially worse than it appears. Some would say it's only three birds, persons commenting are perhaps a minority or biased etc..............well, the poison may not have been aimed at the Kites in which case it becomes far more serious. How many other creatures not so obvious but eat carrion have been affected and what of locals walking their dogs..............the list is growing, but not recorded. Bet if the landowners best lab picked up the poisoned meat there would be hell to pay!. I wonder if local vets have been consulted for related incidents?.

It should be a priority to find these people and punish them. This is what the law is for, is it not?

Denis.

[ReynoImages]

Originally Posted by denisg

I think the situation here is potentially worse than it appears. Some would say it's only three birds, persons commenting are perhaps a minority or biased etc..............well, the poison may not have been aimed at the Kites in which case it becomes far more serious. How many other creatures not so obvious but eat carrion have been affected and what of locals walking their dogs..............the list is growing, but not recorded. Bet if the landowners best lab picked up the poisoned meat there would be hell to pay!. I wonder if local vets have been consulted for related incidents?.

It should be a priority to find these people and punish them. This is what the law is for, is it not?

Denis.

Local dog walkers should keep their dog on a lead........they wouldn't get into trouble then! As an ex-gamekeeper, why can't these people read the bloody signs to keep dogs on leads. Im not condoning the whole poisoning thing, but when dog walkers are on a footpath running through private land then they need to exercise some control.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by ReynoImages

Local dog walkers should keep their dog on a lead........they wouldn't get into trouble then! As an ex-gamekeeper, why can't these people read the bloody signs to keep dogs on leads. Im not condoning the whole poisoning thing, but when dog walkers are on a footpath running through private land then they need to exercise some control.

This isn't about *B* dog walkers. It about the unlawful killing of one our most beautiful birds of prey. And what should happen to the morons that think they kill game birds when in fact they don't.
I always keep my dog on her lead weather on farmland or in a town.

[ChrisJB]

As it's pretty well known that Red Kites are mainly scavengers, if these birds were deliberately targeted, then whoever has done it aren't so well-blessed in the knowledge department (you could even say, a bit thick).

Regards, Chris