Red kite suffered 'very painful and distressing death' after being poisoned with banned substance

An investigation has been launched afte a bird of prey suffered “painful and distressing death” after being poisoned in Perth and Kinross.

The red kite was found near its nest to the North West of Braco on June 22 with tests showing that it had ingested toxic levels of rodenticide.

It was also found to have ingested the banned substance aldicarb, which has been illegal in the UK since 2007.

Birds of prey, like 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.

Investigations into the death are ongoing with police urging anyone with information to come forward.

Wildlife Crime coordinator, detective Sergeant David Lynn, said the poisons would have resulted in a “very painful and distressing death” for the bird.

“Legal rodenticides must be used with extreme caution to avoid the poisoning of non-target species, or you may be liable to prosecution,” he said.

“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.

“We ask anyone using the area to be vigilant if they find anything suspicious, don’t touch it, but do take photos and report to Police Scotland immediately.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 1176 of September 23, 2025.”