Tough new laws in Ireland

[Bobbie Ireland]

At last - hope this means that things will improve.

Government introduces poisoning ban on birds of prey

18/10/2010 - 08:00:49
Tough new laws to stop the poisoning of birds of prey being reintroduced to Ireland come into force today.

Regulations against the use of bait to poison or stupefy birds or animals have been unveiled by Environment Minister John Gormley.

He said the regulations would address the poisonings which resulted in the deaths of 12 eagles and other birds of prey earlier this year

“I am very concerned that these poisoning incidents could damage the projects to re-introduce the golden eagle, white-tailed eagle and red kite which are being funded by my department,� said Mr Gormley.

“Such actions are irresponsible as well as illegal and they give a very negative image of Ireland’s farming and tourism sectors, nationally and internationally.�

Conservationists have warned ambitious plans to reintroduce golden eagles are at risk after a spate of poisonings.

Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith said there was no pesticide registered or approved in the Republic of Ireland for poisoning of birds or foxes.

Alphachloralose, which was previously registered and commonly used to kill crows, is now only registered and approved in Ireland for the control of mice.

Mr Gormley said: “The reintroduction of these magnificent eagles and kites into Ireland will further enhance Ireland’s environmental reputation for respecting its wildlife and enable us to harness the associated social, cultural and economic benefits.

“We now call on everyone to respect the law and protect these birds of prey, which are of real economic value to the rural communities in the release areas.�

Agriculture officials said while foxes, mink and crows can be a serious problem for farmers, there are a variety of effective methods available to keep numbers in check.

Anyone caught poisoning a bird can be fined up to €5,000 and or imprisoned for up to 12 months.

The programme to reintroduce the golden eagle, white-tailed eagle and red kite was launched in 2001, with golden eagles breeding in Co Donegal and Wicklow this year.

However 12 large birds of prey have been found poisoned in the past year, including golden eagle, red kite, white-tailed eagle and buzzard. Tests revealed the most common poison used has been alphachloralose.

[Donna]

Hope it helps...now to catch the culprits.

[Bobbie Ireland]

Hope it helps...now to catch the culprits.

As you say, Donna - that's the tough part!

[Bobbie Ireland]

BirdWatch Ireland's press response to the new laws... welcome, but more needed.

http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/News/BirdWatchIrelandwelcomesnewantipoisoninglaws/tabid/1112/Default.aspx

[MAK]

   I pray for more new laws!