Investigation launched after young peregrine falcon is poisoned and killed in Barnsley

Another protected bird of prey has fallen victim to the ongoing persecution after being poisoned with Bendiocarb.
By Susie Beever
Published 26th Oct 2020, 12:02 BST
Updated 26th Oct 2020, 12:04 BST
Picture issued by South Yorkshire Police of a peregrine falconPicture issued by South Yorkshire Police of a peregrine falcon
Picture issued by South Yorkshire Police of a peregrine falcon

The juvenile peregrine falcon was found extremely ill in Fish Dam, Barnsley, on July 4, displaying signs it had been poisoned.

The bird, which is a protected species, sadly later died.

Detectives at South Yorkshire Police have now said it had toxic levels of the substance Bendiocarb in its body, a pesticide which is commonly seen in birds such as falcons, kestrels and red kites which are fatally poisoned.

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A young peregrine falcon similar to the one poisoned in Barnsley. Picture: SWNSA young peregrine falcon similar to the one poisoned in Barnsley. Picture: SWNS
A young peregrine falcon similar to the one poisoned in Barnsley. Picture: SWNS

The poisoning, entrapment and shooting of birds of prey is an offence and is thought to be connected to grouse shooters who see them as a threat to grouse populations.

Investigating Officer Pc Fran Robbs De La Hoyde said: “It is believed the poisoned peregrine falcon ingested bait laced with the poison which was deliberately set out to target the bird.

“There is nothing to suggest that this bait was laid in open land.

“This was a deliberate act that caused the death of a beautiful and protected bird. I am saddened by this and I am asking for your help to bring those responsible to justice.”

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The appeal comes just days after Barnsley Council backed a ban on the burning of heather on peatland at grouse moors, a tactic used by grouse shooters.

Tom Grose, an Investigations Officer for RSPB, said: “It’s always a privilege to catch a glimpse of a peregrine. The fastest birds in the world, they are highly adaptable creatures and often make their homes in urban areas these days.

“Bendiocarb is one of the most commonly-abused substances for killing birds of prey and we have sadly seen it used for this purpose on many occasions. It is illegal to kill these birds, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.”

Anyone with information that can help officers is urged to contact South Yorkshire Police and quote crime reference number 14/104692/20.

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