Estate offers £5,000 reward after dogs and birds poisoned

A Scottish estate has announced it is offering a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator behind the poisoning of dogs and buzzards on its land.

The move follows the launch of a police investigation after three dogs and two buzzards were poisoned on Edradynate Estate, Perthshire.

The poisons which have been used are illegal and have been banned from use in the UK for years, according to the police.

The estate is now offering a £5,000 reward for anyone providing information that results in the prosecution and conviction of the perpetrator of these poisonings.

A spokesperson for Edradynate Estate said the "appalling incidents" has affected local estates and farms.

“We reported a number of these incidents to Police Scotland and have been working closely with them to provide help to the investigation but in spite of this, we have most recently seen the terrible death by poisoning of a sheepdog when it was most needed during the lambing period,” the spokesperson said.

“We would urge anyone with information, especially if they see anything suspicious late at night, to contact Police Scotland as soon as possible.”

Illegal killing

Raptor Persecution is one of the UK Wildlife Crime Priorities which includes poisoning, shooting, trapping, habitat destruction and nest destruction/disturbance.

In the UK Birds of Prey are a protected species and therefore any criminal offences committed against these species are covered by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

A Police Scotland Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer said: “The owners are understandably extremely upset at the loss of their dogs. Once again, we also find ourselves investigating the illegal killing of raptors and this is extremely disappointing. 

“We have searched the areas and our investigations to date would suggest that there is not a wider threat to public safety. However, all members of the public in the area are asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour, especially during the hours of darkness.

Anyone with information that may assist enquiries should contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111