£5k reward to identify falcon poisoner
A REWARD of £5,000 is on offer for anybody who can identify those responsible for the peregrine falcon poisonings.
Four falcons have been found dead in unusual circumstances since April 2019, with fears someone is deliberately lacing pigeons with illegal industrial-use pesticides to target them.
An anonymous benefactor has offered the reward through Guernsey Animal Aid.
GAA founder Sue Vidamour said: ‘The people concerned are appalled at what’s going on. It’s horrendous, I just hope somebody comes forward with a name.
‘I’ve had three calls from the public so far. All we can do is bide our time and see what comes. I hope that the reward is more of an incentive, and that something comes from this.’
Stricter measures to prevent extremely harmful chemicals would be welcomed.
‘It’s disgusting that these chemicals can be bought. Our birds need all the help they can get with all going on in the world.’
Along with their eggs and nests, the birds of prey are protected under the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Formerly rare in Guernsey, numbers have risen since being registered as endangered, although there are only roughly 1,500 pairs in the UK.
Alderney Bird Observatory warden John Horton said: ‘It seems very likely that the culprit is a local pigeon fancier. The culprit is importing illegal chemicals and lacing dead racing pigeons with the toxic chemicals leaving the birds in the countryside for peregrines to find, consume and die.
'There are also very serious public health issues here along with damaging wildlife tourism.’
The Guernsey Biological Records Centre condemned the peregrine poisonings as unacceptable.
The Guernsey Racing Pigeon Club was approached for comment but did not wish to do so at the time.
Another pigeon fancier said he did not think it was appropriate to comment, and it was doubtful any others would either.
The States vet has confirmed four falcons have died from professional-use pesticides, the last one was found in June.
Another bird of prey was found dead under unusual circumstances last week. Samples have been sent away for analysis.
n Please email the States veterinary officer at svo@gov.gg or contact Sue from Animal Aid on 07781 150388 with any information on the poisonings.
n Anyone with information on pesticide misuse should contact the Health & Safety Executive at hse@gov.gg or 234567.
