POLICE in Fife are investigating the suspected poisoning of a buzzard north of Cupar.
The bird of prey was found dead by a member of the public close to Lewes Wood on the Mountquhanie Estate near Hazelton Walls.
It has been sent for post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death and identify any poison that may have been used.
PC Ian Laing, Fife Constabulary’s wildlife and environmental crime co-ordinator, said: “Fortunately, Fife has not experienced raptor poisoning as much as other areas, but this case is a concern.
“Once we have confirmed the cause of death, we will be able to look at the potential source of any poisons used with a view to tracing those responsible.”
Kath Leys, area operations manager with Scottish Natural Heritage, added: “We’re very concerned about this suspected poisoning case in Fife.
“Buzzards may be fairly common nowadays, but they’re beautiful birds which are an important part of biodiversity.”
Full story here –
http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/fife_police_probe_buzzard_poisoning_1_1459717
Raptor Persecution UK 
Is the date for this incident known ?
Normally I would not comment on such a commonplace incident – suspected poisoned buzzard in Scotland in february…but two things are worth saying.
Firstly if the incident is publicised youve almost certainly lost any chance of a conviction – poison will be hidden, excuses put together etc..
But on a more positive note – well done Fife Police for actually naming the location – down to the level of a wood. At least the public know what is going on [with potentially lethal poisons – unless it was alpha] in their area. Which is the least we should expect from these crimes.
This dead buzzard was found by a member of the public on Monday 31st Jan. 2011
SNH carry an article regarding this incident here – http://www.snh.gov.uk/news-and-events/press-releases/press-release-details/?id=455
Admin.
Interesting SNH press release…why on earth put it out when a cause of death has not been established?….what if its natural causes?.just after very hard weather……you could have upset potential allies..
All looks very amateur…
Oh yes , and that little line at the bottom….”where appropriate, to bring offenders before the court”.
If they are offenders, it is always appropriate to bring them before a Court…thats what over 100 years of legislation is about…when it comes to punishment, or otherwise it is up to the Court to decide…not SNh or other members of a “partnership”.
To me …that line undermines any good they may be doing…its a signal to the offenders that you can talk your way out of this. Dealing with Wildlife Crime is not difficult – if it is treated like any other crime, by the police and courts – it does not need or deserve speial pleading like this.