POLICE have launched a poster campaign urging people to contact them immediately if they believe a bird of prey or animal has been poisoned.

North Yorkshire Police say last year two red kites were found dead in the Nidderdale area. One, found near Pateley Bridge in March, was found to have been poisoned with three different rodenticides and the poison alphachloralose.

The second, found near Bouthwaite in May was tested and found to have shockingly ingested eight different poisons and three rodenticides.

Officers are appealing for information about the two incidents and warning members of the public about the dangers of this illegal practice. Hard-hitting posters urging people to report suspected wildlife poisoning are being distributed across the county.

Inspector Jon Grainge, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, warned people should also be extremely careful around the carcass of a mammal or bird which they suspect has been killed this way.

“The use of poisons in the two Nidderdale cases is particularly shocking,” he said.

“The practice of lacing animal carcasses with poison to kill other wildlife is cruel and illegal. It is also a serious risk to members of the public and their children or pets if they come into contact with them.

“If you find a mammal or bird that you believe has been poisoned, please do not touch it, as poisons can transfer through skin contact.

“Also keep youngsters and pets well away. Make a note of the location, including GPS co-ordinates if possible, and anything else that is around or near the animal, and contact the police immediately.”

Anyone with information about the poisoning of the red kites found in Nidderdale should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12160043415, or email ruraltaskforce@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.