Red kites have been successfully reintroduced to England, Scotland, and Ireland after persecution caused their extinction, and managing their welfare in recovered populations includes addressing secondary poisoning and illegal killing.
Red kites that ingest poison-laced bait or rodenticide-contaminated carcasses suffer progressive neurological deterioration before death. Anticoagulant rodenticide secondary poisoning causes internal haemorrhage over days, causing prolonged suffering. Illegal persecution including deliberate poisoning represents a serious wildlife crime with significant animal welfare implications. Found kites showing neurological signs require emergency veterinary treatment with antidotes that can be effective if administered promptly. The recovery of red kite populations despite ongoing persecution reflects the resilience of the species and the success of protective conservation effort.