TWO birds of prey have been found poisoned in Castle Douglas.
Police have launched an investigation after the dead red kite and wood pigeon were discovered on the town’s golf course last month.
Following enquiries, it was established that the red kite had been poisoned, and the wood pigeon was used as poisoned bait.
They were found on April 10 and five days later, on Tuesday April 15, a second dead red kite was found nearby.
Police this week confirmed the two birds had ingested the same type of highly toxic poison, resulting in their death.
National Wildlife Crime Coordinator Detective Sergeant David Lynn said: “Red kites are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and it is illegal to kill this protected species.
“Poisoning a bird or animal is not only cruel and callous, but it can harm other wildlife as well as members of the public. The use of this poison in a public area is extremely dangerous and poses a significant risk to anyone who comes into contact with it.
“Our enquiries are ongoing, and we are working with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of this incident. We would urge the public not to handle any dead animals they may find in this area of Castle Douglas, and if there are suspicious circumstances, I would ask you to report this to police.”
He appealed for anyone with any information about the poisoning of the birds to contact police by calling 101 quoting incident 0785 of 10 April.
Alternatively, anonymous calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
