Reward offered in eagle death probe

Sep 24 2012

A charity has offered a reward for information about a golden eagle which it said suffered a "lingering death" after it was apparently caught in an illegal trap.

The raptor was found "hidden" under a tree branch by RSPB Scotland investigations staff, close to a lay-by on a quiet country road near Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.

A post-mortem examination revealed that the bird had suffered two broken legs due to trauma that could be consistent with an injury caused by a spring-type trap.

RSPB Scotland has offered a £1,000 reward for information which could lead to a successful prosecution.

Ian Thomson, RSPB Scotland's head of investigations, said: "The post-mortem evidence suggests that this bird was caught in an illegally-set trap, smashing both legs.

"The data obtained from the satellite transmitter indicated that the eagle did not move from one spot on a hill high above Glen Esk, for over 15 hours.

"Then, during the night, when eagles do not readily fly, it has inexplicably moved to a new position, hidden under a tree and close to a road. Here, over the next four days, this eagle suffered a lingering death."

Its body was found, lying face down, with its wings folded and was seized as evidence by officers from Grampian Police. The post-mortem examination was carried out at the Scottish Agricultural College laboratory in Aberdeen.

RSPB Scotland director Stuart Housden said: "Whilst efforts to stamp out the illegal poisoning of birds of prey are perhaps beginning to yield results, this dreadful case shows that the persecution of our raptors continues through the use of traps and other means.

"We call upon anyone who can provide further information about this case to contact the wildlife crime officer at either Tayside or Grampian Police without delay."