An article about one of our 2008 males who we found poisoned in Angus in August:
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/Sea-eagle-found-poisoned-.5995940.jp
Having been involved in the search I have gone through a whole host of emotions in the last few months, the fact that three white-tailed eagles (1.5% of the Scottish population) have allegedly been persecuted in one small area is sad, disappointing and ultimately criminal as well as hugely frustrating for all those working so hard to restore this native species. I just hope that an investigation brings us a step closer to reducing wildlife crime. I don't think there is much else to say.
Hi Sooty, don't you think the 6 months jail sentence for such a crime is enough of a deterrent?The truth is even if you were to be shot at dawn it wouldn't be a deterrent! The reason being is that no one has been convicted of such a crime. A "deterrent "is not a deterrent unless it is seen to work. The crimes take place in relatively remote locations & are difficult to prove. The truth is there is such a lack of resources provided to combat these crimes that its impossible to obtain the evidence to convict & therefore sentence anyone. Therefore no deterrent. No ammount of public out cries, pledges or meaningless deterrents will change the ways of the serial eagle poisoner, because if you wish to poison one (or more) you can do it with total impunity!
We need much tougher deterrents and sentences for anyone persecuting wildlife,particularly rare ones.Promise anyone deterrents do work if they are hard enough.Judges and magistrates campaign for law to allow you to confiscate estates and do it once there will be no more trouble.
This is just sickening, far too many birds of prey are being shot or poisoned in this area. If I remember rightly Angus was one of the worst places for illegal persecution of birds of prey - not something to be cheerful about! It really drags this area down and makes a lot of people - including those who shoot game - very angry that things like this are done by a minority of people in this area. Something really needs to be done to crack down on this illegal persecution and use of banned chemicals around here because it just seems to be happening far too often.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies