Wildlife

Red Kite Poisoning and Recovery Welfare

Red kites were successfully reintroduced to UK after extinction, but ongoing illegal poisoning continues to cause welfare harm and population setbacks.

Key Facts

Red kites were extinct as UK breeders by early 20th century through persecution
Successful reintroduction from 1989 onwards from Welsh population
Population now over 10,000 birds across UK
Illegal poisoning incidents kill hundreds of red kites annually
Birds die slowly from rodenticide or deliberate bait poisoning over hours or days

Welfare Considerations

Poisoning deaths are among the most welfare-damaging outcomes for wildlife - secondary rodenticide poisoning causes internal bleeding and neurological effects before death. Deliberate poisoning with illegal substances causes extreme suffering. Each poisoning incident represents preventable welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Never use second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides accessible to wildlife
Report dead or sick kites to local police and RSPB
Support campaigns for vicarious liability for landowners whose staff poison raptors
Celebrate red kite recovery and support continued monitoring