Red kite found poisoned in Perth and Kinross area

Enquiries into the death of red kite are ongoing.

On 22 June, 2025 a dead red kite was found near to its nest to the north west of Braco, in the Perth and Kinross area. 

Subsequent post mortem examination and toxicology testing have shown that the bird had ingested toxic levels of rodenticide.

The red kite was also found to have ingested the banned substance aldicarb. Aldicarb has been illegal in the UK since 2007 and no products containing this substance are approved for use in the UK. 

Birds of prey, like all wild birds in Scotland, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill or injure them.

Wildlife Crime Coordinator, Detective Sergeant David Lynn, said: “This red kite has been poisoned resulting in a very painful and distressing death. Legal rodenticides must be used with extreme caution to avoid the poisoning of non-target species or you may be liable to prosecution. The use of Aldicarb is an illegal and reckless act as this substance can be fatal for both animals and humans.

“Our investigation into this incident is continuing and we will pursue anyone who targets Scotland’s birds of prey. I would encourage anyone with any information in relation to this incident to contact us.

“We ask anyone using the area to be vigilant if they find anything suspicious, don’t touch it, but do take photos and report to Police Scotland immediately on 101.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 1176 of 23 September, 2025.