Ards Falcon Is Shotgun Victim

Police in Ards are appealing for information after a rare wild bird was badly hurt and had to be destroyed after what the PSNI are calling an incident of wildlife crime.

They said that over the weekend of Saturday 16 October police were made aware that an injured Peregrine Falcon had been found by a member of the public by a roadside at Craigaroddan Road, Portaferry. The animal (pictured here) had then to be put down by a vet, who discovered shotgun pellets in the bird's wing. Now, the police are investigating the incident and are appealing for information. A spokesman said: "Wildlife forms an important part of our natural heritage. Birds of prey are protected by law within the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 and are afforded the highest level of wildlife protection.

"Anyone with information regarding the persecution of protected wildlife should come forward as doing so will help make sure those responsible go before the courts."

The police can be contacted by calling 0845 600 8000, alternatively information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

In related news, there's a new bid to halt the poisoning of birds of prey being made in the Irish Republic this week.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, has announced regulations under the European Communities Acts making it an offence for a person to use any type of meat, fish, egg or other animal substance as bait to poison or stupefy birds or animals such as otters and pine martens, unless licensed to do so.

At the same time, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith, announced that there are now no poisons, which can legally be used to kill birds or animals, apart from rats and mice.

(BMcC)