Devon and Cornwall Police and the RSPB are appealing for information after four goshawks and one buzzard were found dead in woodland to the west of Exeter. The RSPB is offering a reward of £1000 for information leading to a conviction. The RSPB was informed of the incident by a member of the public and recovered the birds in liaison with the police and the Forestry Commission who own the land.
The birds, that showed no signs of being shot, were sent for toxicological analysis where it was discovered they had been poisoned with the banned pesticide carbofuran. This substance has been identified in a number of other bird of prey poisoning incidents. In the UK there are only 410 pairs of nesting goshawks. In Devon the most recent surveys suggest no more than 20 pairs breeding in the county.
All birds of prey are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). In addition, goshawks are specially protected and listed under Schedule 1 of the Act.
If members of the public have information about this crime they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or email PC Josh Marshall directly on Joshua.MARSHALL2@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk . This will be handled in strictest confidence.
“We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears in wildlife crimes such as this so if anyone knows anything about this, please get in touch.” - PC Josh Marshall
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