Raptor Poisoning and Welfare Harm

Illegal poisoning of raptors — including golden eagles, red kites, and buzzards — continues in the UK despite legal protection. Poisoning causes prolonged and agonising deaths.

Key Facts

Carbofuran, alphachloralose, and mevinphos are among the poisons used illegally against raptors
Secondary poisoning from rodenticides kills barn owls, kestrels, and red kites across the UK
RSPB investigations have documented hundreds of illegal raptor killings across Scotland and northern England
Poison baits are often placed openly in areas where gamekeepers or farmers have motive
Satellite-tagged birds have provided evidence of suspicious disappearances on grouse moors

Welfare Considerations

Raptor poisoning causes extremely distressing deaths. Organophosphate and carbamate poisons cause violent convulsions before death; alphachloralose causes hypothermia and prolonged unconsciousness before death; all cause suffering that can last hours. Birds that ingest sublethal doses may survive but with permanent neurological damage affecting their ability to hunt. The practice is illegal and represents deliberate, sustained cruelty motivated by protecting game bird interests. The welfare and conservation case for vigorous prosecution is strong, but enforcement is complicated by the difficulty of proving individual responsibility.

What You Can Do

Report suspicious raptor deaths or poison bait finds to the Wildlife Crime Officer at your local police force
Support RSPB Investigations Unit which documents and reports wildlife crime
Advocate for vicarious liability legislation holding landowners responsible for crimes committed by employees
Refuse grouse shooting venues with histories of raptor persecution
Support campaigns for diversionary feeding and other conflict reduction measures on grouse moors