A RED kite bird of prey has been killed in Perthshire by an illegal poison for the third time this summer.

Tayside Police and the wildlife community have condemned the perpetrator and appealed for the public to help them solve the “sickening” crime.

The bird was found on the edge of Glenturret Estate near Crieff by a retired couple out for a walk.

It was collected by Alan Stewart, Tayside Police’s wildlife and environment Officer, and examination at the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency in Edinburgh showed the bird had eaten bait laced with banned pesticide carbofuran.

Mr Stewart said, “It is an absolute disgrace that a method commonly employed to kill birds of prey two centuries ago is still in use in 2007.

“Pesticides can easily kill people as well as wildlife, yet these deadly baits are still left out in the open.”

He said 2006 saw the highest incidence of poisoning of birds of prey in more than a decade, adding, “This could well be equalled, if not overtaken, in 2007. Those involved should hang their head in shame, and we appeal to the public to come forward with any information about the crime.”

Glenturret Estate’s owners, Mr and Mrs Seldon, said, “We and the staff at Glenturret are equally appalled by this incident and are fully supportive of police efforts to eradicate this and other forms of wildlife crime.

“The estate supports a wide range of birds of prey, including golden eagles, hen harriers, red kites and buzzards.”

The locations of many such poisoning incidents mean they are extremely difficult to investigate.

Mr Stewart added, “Three red kites have been found in Tayside this year—two were discovered in July— but anyone would be naive to think that these are the only three poisoning incidents.

“Most baits and victims are never found by anyone who might report their suspicions to the police.”

The head of investigations at RSPB Scotland, Bob Elliot, said, “Yet again, carbofuran, a substance banned since 2001, has been used to illegally kill one of our most magnificent birds of prey, illustrating that there are still several people out there content to break the law and recklessly endanger the public.

“Those convicted of these sickening crimes must be punished accordingly, as the regularity with which we see them committed suggests that there just isn’t a strong deterrent.

“Red kites are scavengers and pose no threat to wildlife.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the police 01382 223200.