Wildlife

Wild Bird Poisoning and Toxicology

Intentional and accidental poisoning of wild birds causes significant welfare harm and population-level damage across multiple species.

Key Facts

Rodenticides cause secondary poisoning in owls, kestrels, and red kites
Lead from spent ammunition causes poisoning in eagles, buzzards, and other scavengers
Organophosphate poisoning causes agonising neurological symptoms in birds
Carbofuran and other banned pesticides are still illegally used against birds of prey in some areas
Non-toxic lead alternatives are available for all shooting purposes

Welfare Considerations

Birds dying from poisoning experience prolonged suffering depending on the toxin. Lead poisoning causes progressive neurological damage including tremors and paralysis lasting days before death. Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning causes slow haemorrhage. Organophosphate poisoning causes violent neurological crisis. All of these deaths involve significant suffering that is largely preventable through changes in practice by farmers, gamekeepers, and shooters.

What You Can Do

Use lead-free ammunition for all shooting to reduce raptor poisoning
Store and dispose of rodenticides carefully to prevent access by non-target wildlife
Report suspected wild bird poisoning to police and RSPB immediately
Support the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use guidelines
Advocate for lead shot ban enforcement and extension to all shooting contexts