Statement from the States of Guernsey website -
‘The States of Guernsey results from the post-mortem and analysis of stomach contents of a fourth peregrine falcon have shown that it too died of professional-use pesticides.
States Veterinary Officer David Chamberlain and Deputy States Veterinary Officer Grace Hodgkinson have confirmed the results for the bird, which was found dead in June.
They have also announced that another bird of prey has been found dead under unusual circumstances this week. Samples have been sent away for analysis.
States' officers will continue to investigate any allegations of misuse of pesticides and the States Veterinary Officers will investigate any animal welfare concerns.
If you have any information that could support this enquiry, please contact them on [email protected].
If anyone has information relating to the misuse of commercial pesticides then these should be referred to the Health and Safety Executive in the first instance (01481 234567, [email protected])’
The GSPCA has seen an increase in Birds of Prey in recent years and since the start of 2019 we have seen a total number of 34 birds.
- 7 buzzards (3 released back in the wild)
- 6 barn owls (3 released back in the wild)
- 17 kestrels (9 released back to the wild, 1 currently in our care)
- 3 peregrine falcons (1 released back to the wild)
- 1 deceased marsh harrier
Sadly many of the Birds of Prey that weren’t successful either were deceased on arrival or their injuries or ailments meant they did not survive their emergency first aid and vet treatment.
However we have helped 50% of all that have come in since the start of 2019.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “At the GSPCA we have been working with the authorities in relation to the 4 peregrine falcons found dead potentially due to the professional-use pesticides found in their systems.”
“With 15-20 Birds of Prey through our care every year we see all sorts of ailments and injuries.”
“Since the start of 2019 we have had 34 birds of prey through our doors and we have seen a year on year increase in the last decade on those needing our help.”
“We have investigated with the States of Guernsey possible shootings of Birds of Prey but this is the first poisoning cases we are aware of and urge anyone with information to please get in touch with the States Vets or if you would rather speak to one of our Welfare team at the GSPCA please call 01481 257261.”
“Peregrine falcons are truly stunning birds and are best known for its diving speed during flight.”
“They can reach more than 300 km or 186 miles per hour making it not only the world's fastest bird but also the world's fastest animal.”
“They estimated the UK population at 1,400 pairs and possibly around 1500 pairs now.”
“With the 4 peregrine falcons that died due to poisoning and 4 that we have seen at the GSPCA in the last 2 years, this equates to 8 birds which means we certainly have far more per square mile than you would see in the UK.”
“Although there is no official figure of the numbers of birds in the island there is unlikely to be more than a small number of pairs due to the land mass we have and habitat which heightens the concern of the death of these incredible birds.”
“In is believed in the British Isles peregrines do not migrate, and the majority stay within 100 km of their birthplace, although some UK upland birds move to lower ground or the coast in winter.”
“There prey includes medium-sized birds, such as wading birds, game birds, pigeons and small ducks which is believed why they are often persecuted due to them attacking domestic birds or collections.”
“Poisoning of any bird of prey could easily but other birds of prey and scavenging animals at risk and we are working closely with the States to monitor.”
“For these reasons 2 recent deceased kestrels that were found and a barn owl have been passed to the States and we will be informing them of all birds of prey that are found and come through our care.”
“Every day is a real struggle to raise the funds to run the GSPCA during these difficult days and with over 1500 wild animals and birds through our doors since the start of 2020 we have been incredibly busy despite lockdown.”
“For those wanting to donate to our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal you can by calling 01481 257261, by post, at the Shelter or online via our web page https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal .”
“Another great way to supporting is by donating each month and to find out details please visit this web page http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”
Donations by post please make cheques payable to 'GSPCA’ and post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD.
To see the States of Guernsey recent article on the 4 deceased peregrine falcons please visit https://gov.gg/article/178035/Results-show-that-fourth-peregrine-falcon-died-from-pesticides
In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have been outside of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in the last two weeks or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
The GSPCA continues with all essential services and we plane to phase other services back into operation and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-take-cautious-approach-returning-new-normal-%E2%80%93-gspca-plan-our-services-and-volunteers-retu
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
During these difficult times help us help animals in need. From donating to Sponsoring a Pen, Buying a Brick for the much needed Wildlife Hospital to our Amazon and main page Wish List, holding a mufti day to a sponsored Christmas dip, here are some of the ways you could help give animals joy.
For volunteering information please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
To find out more on talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261
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