Red Kite found dead was poisoned with banned pesticide

A red kite was found dead near Braco in June (library picture)

A red kite found dead near its nest in Perth and Kinross had been poisoned with a banned pesticide.

The bird of prey's body was discovered north west of Braco on 22 June.

Police Scotland said toxicology tests showed that the bird had ingested high levels of rodenticide - designed to kill rats, mice and squirrels - as well as the banned pesticide 'aldicarb'.

All wild birds in Scotland are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill or injure them.

Police Scotland's wildlife crime co-ordinator, Det Sgt David Lynn, said the poisoning had resulted in "a very painful and distressing death" for the red kite.

He added: "Legal rodenticides must be used with extreme caution to avoid the poisoning of non-target species or you may be liable to prosecution.

"The use of aldicarb is an illegal and reckless act as this substance can be fatal for both animals and humans.

"Our investigation into this incident is continuing and we will pursue anyone who targets Scotland's birds of prey. I would encourage anyone with any information in relation to this incident to contact us."