Red kites have recovered magnificently following reintroduction, but both red and black kites face ongoing persecution through poisoning and shooting. Understanding the welfare impact helps motivate protection.
Raptor poisoning causes prolonged, painful deaths. A red kite that ingests carbofuran-laced bait experiences convulsions, paralysis and respiratory failure over minutes to hours. The suffering is acute and severe. The targeting of such iconic, legally protected birds through illegal poisoning represents both an animal welfare outrage and a major crime. The welfare case for strong enforcement against wildlife crime targeting raptors is compelling. Every successful prosecution protects not just the individual bird that died but the social deterrent effect that prevents future poisoning events.