Four buzzards poisoned in Dumfries and Galloway

Poisoned buzzard. Credit RSPB

Chris Rollie, RSPB Scotland's local area manager for Dumfries and Galloway said: "Citizens of Dumfriesshire will be sickened and disgusted that their countryside and its reputation are still being tarnished by a few selfish individuals. When great efforts are being made to attract visitors to rural areas, the negative message of an illegally poisoned countryside is the last thing we need, whilst the effect on wildlife is appalling."

Police statement
D&G Police Wildlife Crime Officer, Sgt Scott McLachlan said: "It saddens me that people are still prepared to indiscriminately poison wildlife. It is also a great concern that poisons are left in areas where the public can come into contact with them, putting them at risk as well. I would ask anyone who has any information on any form of wildlife crime to report it to the Police or use Crimestoppers."

Withhold farm payments
In addition to a fine and possible custodial sentence for anyone found guilty of a crime such as this under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Scottish Government has the power to withhold farm payments from any landowner whose employee commits wildlife crime on their land.

Birdcrime report 2007
The appeal comes after RSPB released its annual UK-wide report into bird crime, which revealed that 2007 produced more reports of crimes against wild birds than any other year on record. The escalating levels of poisoning in recent years have prompted the Society to launch a campaign calling for an end to the illegal killing of birds of prey. RSPB investigations staff received a total of 229 reports of possible persecution incidents in 2007, with 16 in Dumfries and Galloway. Last December a red kite was found poisoned in the region, although these incidents are not thought to be connected.