16/11/2009
Rabbit Poisoning Prompts Police Appeal
An incident over the summer that involved the deliberate poisoning of an animal has only now emerged.
The police are appealing for information about events in Dungannon, that unfolded on Saturday 20th June.
They said that a member of the public reported that a rabbit had been found dead on land off Syerla Road where it was found tied to a board.
Noting that wildlife crime is taken extremely seriously by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the statement said that the animal was removed by police for further examination.
"It has now been confirmed that Alpha Chloralose was detected, which is a banned substance and can have serious consequences to wildlife and people," the police statement reported.
Such poisoning could easily be passed on - with equally deadly effect - to other wild animals and birds of prey, should they consume the carcass.
It is believed that the delay between the initial report of the incident and this appeal was necessary as work was ongoing to establish if the poisoning was deliberate.
The police have now urged anyone with information to come forward, even though it was several months ago.
They have also asked that in the case of any similar incidents being detected that any animal discovered is left 'in situ' and police contacted as soon as possible.
Anyone who has information or witnessed suspicious activity should contact police on 0845 600 8000, alternatively information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
(BMcC/GK)
The police are appealing for information about events in Dungannon, that unfolded on Saturday 20th June.
They said that a member of the public reported that a rabbit had been found dead on land off Syerla Road where it was found tied to a board.
Noting that wildlife crime is taken extremely seriously by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the statement said that the animal was removed by police for further examination.
"It has now been confirmed that Alpha Chloralose was detected, which is a banned substance and can have serious consequences to wildlife and people," the police statement reported.
Such poisoning could easily be passed on - with equally deadly effect - to other wild animals and birds of prey, should they consume the carcass.
It is believed that the delay between the initial report of the incident and this appeal was necessary as work was ongoing to establish if the poisoning was deliberate.
The police have now urged anyone with information to come forward, even though it was several months ago.
They have also asked that in the case of any similar incidents being detected that any animal discovered is left 'in situ' and police contacted as soon as possible.
Anyone who has information or witnessed suspicious activity should contact police on 0845 600 8000, alternatively information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
(BMcC/GK)
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