£5,000 Reward Offered Over Poisoning of Rare Eagles in Co Antrim
Two White-Tailed Eagles Found Dead in Ballymena
A £5,000 reward is up for grabs for anyone who helps catch those responsible for poisoning two white-tailed eagles in County Antrim. The majestic birds were found lifeless on Glenhead Road, Ballymena, on May 15. Post-mortem tests confirmed both eagles had ingested the deadly insecticide bendiocarb.
PSNI Launch Criminal Probe as Outrage Grows
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) immediately launched an investigation to uncover how the birds came into contact with the poison. The act has sparked fury across the community. Tánaiste Micheál Martin voiced his shock and sadness, revealing one eagle was tagged with a satellite tracker after being released by him. Alarm bells rang when the bird’s tag showed it had stopped moving.
“I have closely followed the reintroduction programme for years and was involved in releasing seven young eagles in 2022 — an unforgettable moment,” said Martin. “These iconic birds are a symbol of national pride, making this poisoning all the more heartbreaking.”
RSPB Joins Hunt, PSNI Steps Up Enforcement
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has matched the reward at £5,000, calling on the public to come forward with any information that could lead to justice. Rural and Wildlife Crime Superintendent Johnston McDowell slammed the incident as “disgraceful,” revealing the banned outdoor use of bendiocarb — a chemical authorised only indoors to tackle pests like wasps and ants.
“Someone deliberately placed this poison outdoors, putting wildlife at risk,” said McDowell. “We won’t tolerate the illegal killing of such stunning birds, especially in a well-visited rural location.”
Ongoing Searches and Public Appeal
Police, backed by the National Wildlife Crime Unit, have conducted house-to-house inquiries and searches in the Glenhead Road area. Superintendent McDowell assured the public the PSNI will stay vigilant, working closely with partners to crack down on wildlife crime and bring offenders to justice.
