POLICE have renewed their appeal for information about a dead buzzard after it was discovered that the animal was poisoned.

In October 2018, Humberside police put out an appeal after a common buzzard was found dead between Millington and Huggate in the East Riding.

At the time, x-rays showed the bird had three shotgun pellets in its body. These were old injuries but the bird also had more recent injuries to its head, possibly having been confined in a cage trap.

Now, a detailed examination of the body and its food content has revealed that the buzzard had ingested food containing the highly toxic pesticide Aldicarb.

Aldicarb has been banned for use and possession for over 10 years.

It is one of several highly toxic pesticides that are abused by adding them to a bait like a dead rabbit to kill scavengers such as crows and foxes.

Carrion-eating birds such as red kites and buzzards often become victims.

Several birds of prey including red kites and buzzards have been recorded as being killed by the use of Aldicarb in previous years at various locations in the area, including near Market Weighton and Pocklington.

Offences such as this are crimes under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which are punishable by up to six months imprisonment, an unlimited fine - or both.

Wildlife and Rural Crime lead chief inspector Paul Butler said: “Enquiries have so far failed to identify who is responsible for this particular crime but are ongoing.

“The continued use of these chemicals is highly irresponsible and there is no excuse for it whatsoever."

Anyone with information about who is using these chemicals or involved in the persecution of birds of prey by any means is asked to come forward with this information which will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Police added: "If you find a poisoned victim or bait, please do not touch it, instead cover it over if possible and warn others to keep away. Make a note the exact location, take photos and report it to the police straight away."

Guy Shorrock, senior investigations officer at the RSPB, stated: "There have been a number of incidents in the East Riding area involving the poisoning of buzzards by this highly toxic banned pesticide.

"We are grateful for police enquires into this latest case and would urge anyone with information to contact them.

"You can also contact the RSPB in strictest confidence on 0300 999 0101 if you have any information about birds of prey being illegally killed in your area."

Anyone with information regarding this investigation should call Humberside Police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting investigation number 16/99978/18 which is being dealt with by WCO PC 1529 Day.