21st August 2006

Prosecution For Poisoning Of Buzzards

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An investigation by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Norfolk constabulary into the death of two buzzards has led to a successful prosecution under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 for an offence relating to the use of pesticides. Miss Rosalyn Vincent was convicted at Swaffham Magistrates Court for failing to train her employee in the safe use of pesticides. Miss Vincent was fined £2,000 and £400 costs. On 26th December 2004 and 4 January 2005 two dead buzzards were found in a wood in Carbrooke, near Watton, Norfolk. The buzzards were analysed and found to contain high levels of a pesticide used in rodenticide products called difenacoum. This is a case of secondary poisoning as the buzzards had fed on rats that were either affected by the rodenticides or had been killed by it. It was established that the gamekeeper in Miss Vincent’s employment had been laying rodenticide baits to protect the estate pheasants from rats. However, he had not searched for any of the dead rats and disposed of them safely. As a result the buzzards were indirectly poisoned by feeding on the rodent bodies that had not been cleared away. The gamekeeper had not received any training or direction from his employer in the safe use of rodenticides. The case shows the legal duty of employers to train their employees in safe practices and prevent risks arising to non-target species. Training in the use of rodenticides can be obtained from The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) on 01332 294288 or on the website at www.bpca.org.uk. In the United Kingdom, incidents involving the suspected poisoning by pesticides of domestic animals, wildlife and beneficial invertebrates are investigated under the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS). In England this work is undertaken by Wildlife Management Advisors of the Rural Development Service (RDS) of Defra on behalf of the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) who are responsible for the enforcement of the scheme. Incidents of suspected pesticide poisoning of wildlife, companion animals and beneficial insects should be reported to Defra on freephone: 0800 321600. Outside normal office hours an answer phone service operates.

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