Wild Raptor Poisoning and Welfare

Illegal poisoning of raptors including red kites, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons remains a significant welfare and conservation problem on UK grouse moors and farming land.

Key Facts

Illegal poisoning kills hundreds of raptors annually in the UK, predominantly on grouse moors
Alpha-chloralose, carbofuran, and brodifacoum are among the substances used illegally
Poisoning causes prolonged, painful deaths through convulsions, internal bleeding, or hypothermia
Secondary poisoning from eating poisoned prey affects owls, kites, and other scavengers
Satellite tag data has revealed systematic disappearance of golden eagles in specific areas
Wildlife crime units and RSPB investigations have documented ongoing persecution despite legal protections

Welfare Considerations

Raptor poisoning causes among the most prolonged and painful deaths in wildlife crime. Raptors that consume poisoned bait or prey experience convulsions, respiratory failure, or internal haemorrhage over periods of hours or days. The systematic nature of poisoning in driven grouse moor management areas demonstrates that individual incidents are not isolated events but components of organised persecution. Effective enforcement, licensing reform for grouse shooting, and vicarious liability legislation are the primary policy levers for reducing this ongoing welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Report any suspected raptor poisoning to the police and RSPB Investigations team immediately
Support the RSPB and other organisations campaigning for licensing reform in grouse moor management
Advocate for vicarious liability legislation that holds land managers responsible for wildlife crimes
Participate in raptor monitoring schemes that document population trends in high-risk areas