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!