Slovakia: Eastern Imperial Eagles were poisoned, confirmed authorities
Two Eastern Imperial Eagles which were found in the middle of February in Western Slovakia were poisoned. This announcement was made by the local National Veterinary and Food Institute.
The birds died after eating Carbofuran – poison that is illegal in all European Union countries. Despite the ban, in many countries Carbofuran is still being used for poisoning predators such as foxes, pine martens and other smaller species of birds of prey. In Slovakia, offenders can be charged with up to one year in prison.
The Eagles were found nearby Velke Kostolany, not far from a location infamously known for the bird-massacre which took place in 2009 where 22 birds of prey died from poison. In Slovakia, the Eastern Imperial Eagle is considered to be one of the rarest birds. Currently, there are only about forty nesting couples there.
Predator poisoning is a problem that persists across Europe. In Spain, three culprits were caught red-handed while setting poisonous baits, and, consequently sent to jail. They were sentenced to sixteen months in prison and fined over 24,000 Euros.
“Animal poisoning is illegal and extremely inhuman. The animals suffer greatly, and it is not only protected species that fall victim to poisoning, but also domestic animals such as dogs,” says Dalibor Dostal, the director of the European Wildlife conservation organization.
