Red Kite found poisoned near Dinnet, Aberdeenshire — police appeal for information

A protected Red Kite was found dead at Morven Hill near Dinnet after being poisoned, Police Scotland has confirmed. Officers are appealing for witnesses.

Protected Red Kite poisoned at Morven Hill, Aberdeenshire

A protected Red Kite was found dead at Morven Hill, near Dinnet in Aberdeenshire, after being deliberately poisoned, Police Scotland has confirmed. A member of the public discovered the bird on 30 June, and subsequent inquiries established that poison was the cause of death, the Daily Express reports.

Red Kites are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which makes it a criminal offence to kill, injure or take them, or to interfere with their nests, eggs or young.

Wild crime liaison officer Constable Ann Ashman described the act as reckless as well as cruel. "Poisoning a bird or animal is not only cruel and callous, but it can harm other wildlife as well as members of the public," she said. "The use of poison in a public area is extremely dangerous and poses a significant risk to anyone who comes into contact with it."

Ashman added that investigations remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident. She urged the public not to handle any dead animals they may come across, and called on anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 2910 of 30 June 2026. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: Daily Express