A reward of £5,000 (€5,864) has been announced for information leading to the identification and prosecution of individuals involved in the poisoning of two white-tailed eagles in Co Antrim. The birds were discovered lifeless in the Glenhead Road area of Ballymena on May 15. Post-mortem examinations confirmed that both eagles had tested positive for the insecticide bendiocarb.
The PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) has initiated an investigation to determine how the eagles came into contact with the poisonous substance. The incident has garnered widespread condemnation, with Tánaiste Micheál Martin expressing his dismay at the poisoning. Conservationists became alarmed when one of the eagles, released by Mr. Martin himself and equipped with a satellite tag, ceased moving according to the tag’s data.
Micheál Martin voiced his deep sadness and shock, stating that he had closely followed the reintroduction program for several years. He recalled his involvement in the release of seven young eagles in 2022, an experience he will never forget. The white-tailed eagles are considered an iconic species, and the government takes pride in supporting the work of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in reintroducing them. Martin emphasized the significant progress achieved in recent years, making the poisoning incident even more disappointing.
Responding to the incident, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has offered a reward of £5,000 for any information that can assist in the prosecution of those responsible. Rural and Wildlife Crime Superintendent Johnston McDowell expressed his dismay at the illegal killing of these majestic birds. He revealed that the test results indicated someone had unlawfully placed the insecticide bendiocarb in the outdoor environment, allowing wild birds to consume it. Bendiocarb, found in the trade product Ficam D, is only authorized for indoor use to control crawling insects like wasps and ants. Its use in fields violates the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).
Superintendent McDowell condemned the poisoning as disgraceful and emphasized that the illegal killing of such beautiful birds in a popular rural area would not be tolerated. The police, in collaboration with the National Wildlife Crime Unit, have been conducting searches and house-to-house inquiries in the Glenhead Road area of Ballymena. McDowell assured the public that the PSNI will continue working with partners to combat such criminal activities, thoroughly investigate any reports, and prosecute offenders.
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