Birds of Prey part of our history

Ulster Unionist MLA John McCallister has expressed his disgust at the news that a protected Bird of prey - a Red Kite has been poisoned in County Down.

The Bird, which was only released to the wild earlier this year was found by a RSPB warden beside the carcass of a rabbit which had also been poisoned.

Commenting on the news John said; "People from within the County Down community have been overwhelmingly supportive of the work undertaken by the RSPB to introduce these rare and beautiful birds of prey to this area and the news that one of these birds has been killed is sad indeed."

"I have been present when these birds have been released into the wild and seeing them take to the sky really was spectacular and is a huge achievement for the RSPB - for one of those to now have been pointlessly killed is a blow to the project."

"It is a sad reality that birds of prey still continue to be threatened and along with Party colleagues I have pledged to help protect them. These birds are part of our history and we must ensure they are protected in the future. Law was put in place 50 years ago to protect these birds however a minority of people are still choosing to ignore that legislation. Those who killed these birds must be prosecuted and I welcome the news that the PSNI is looking in to the incident."

For more information on how to help protect birds of prey log on to www.rspb.org.uk