RSPB welcomes council support over Ross raptor deaths
RSPB Scotland has welcomed the round condemnation by Highland Council of the Ross-shire bird of prey poisonings.
The motion, presented by senior representatives of the SNP, Liberal Democrat, Labour and Independent groups, was agreed at a full meeting of the council in Inverness yesterday.
It seeks to "reinvigorate the fight against all wildlife crime in the Highlands".
Inverness-based RSPB spokesman Alan Tissiman said: "The deaths of so many birds – at the last count 16 red kites and six buzzards – has triggered an enormous response from the people of the Highlands. It is very encouraging that their elected representatives on the council are also speaking up on behalf of our wildlife."
The motion read: "The Highland Council condemns the recent illegal killing of red kites and buzzards on the Black Isle both as wrong in itself and as an act with potential to reduce the economic benefits that wildlife tourism brings to the Highlands.
"The Council urges anyone with relevant information to contact Police Scotland; welcomes the actions of Scottish Land and Estates and of NFU Scotland in supporting attempts to identify the culprit(s); and commits itself to continuing to work with Community Planning Partners, through the Highland Environment Forum, to reinvigorate the fight against all wildlife crime in the Highlands."
The raptors were all found within a small area near Conon Bridge. Twelve of the 22 birds have been confirmed as poisoned.
The RSPB, local landowners and the public have contributed to a reward fund standing at over £27,000 for information leading to the identify of the culprit.
