Papers Today

// Poisoning of golden eagle chick condemned

Birdwatch Ireland and the Heritage Council have condemned the poisoning death of a 10-month old golden eagle chick, Conall, who was one of the first wild golden eagles to be hatched on the island for more than a century, writes Lorna Siggins .

Both bodies have urged relevant State agencies, farming organisations and the farming media, to "renew their energies" in raising awareness among farmers about the wider implications of illegal use of poisoned carcasses.

Birdwatch Ireland said it was illegal under the Animal By-Product Regulations to knowingly leave dead livestock above ground. Under certain conditions, poisoned meat baits can be left out, but not carcasses. The organisation is seeking a complete ban on use of poisoned meat baits.

The organisation's head of conservation Alan Lauder said most farmers controlled pests in an "environmentally friendly way", but a "small number" were continuing to bring farming into disrepute, damaging wildlife and ultimately threatening tourism and farm incomes.