[ad_1]
Conservationists have called for the establishment of a “wildlife crime unit” after massive vulture poisoning in Co Cork.
The incident occurred near Timoleague last December. Twenty-three dead vultures were recovered at the scene and sent to trial. Later it was confirmed that all had died due to ingestion of the highly toxic and prohibited substance Carbofuran.
Vultures are fully protected in Ireland under the EU Bird Directive and, under the 1976 National Wildlife Law, killing or injuring one is a criminal offense.
BirdWatch Ireland has strongly condemned the poisoning and called for stronger legislation around such incidents.
“History dictates that incidents like this mass poisoning will continue to occur unless appropriate action is taken,” said John Lusby, BirdWatch Ireland’s Raptor Conservation Officer.
“Illegal raptor poisoning is a problem that is not only isolated in Ireland, and we appreciate that crimes like this can be difficult to investigate, but much more needs to be done to effectively address the ongoing illegal persecution of our birds. raptors. “
“If we are to take wildlife crime like this seriously, we need a dedicated wildlife crime unit and there must be adequate resources allocated for effective investigation and enforcement of the Wildlife Law.”
“Until this happens, illegal poisoning and other wildlife crime will continue without consequence across the country, it’s as simple as that.”
The incident was reported to the National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) when a man initially found the bodies of several birds on his land last December.
Vultures were brought to extinction in Ireland in the early 20th century, but have naturally colonized again after coming from Scotland and Wales.
[ad_2]