Police appeal after Red Kite caught in illegal Scottish trap
Police Scotland is seeking information after a Red Kite was caught in an illegally set coil-spring trap near Strathdon in Aberdeenshire.
Police Scotland has appealed for information after a Red Kite was caught in an illegally set trap in the Strathdon area of Aberdeenshire.
The incident happened in May 2026 and involved a Duke coil-spring trap. Police said the trap had been set illegally and that this model is not approved for use in Scotland.
Red Kites are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to take, injure or kill one of the birds.
The force said extensive enquiries had already been conducted before the public appeal was issued on 15 September. It has not disclosed the precise location of the incident, the circumstances in which the trapped kite was found or what subsequently happened to the bird.
Trapping a bird or animal is not only cruel, but it can also harm other wildlife and members of the public.
Police Constable Ann Ashman
PC Ashman said enquiries were continuing and asked anyone with information about the incident, or the use of this type of Duke coil-spring trap in the area, to contact police.
No suspect, arrest or charge has been announced. The available police statement does not identify who set the trap or associate the incident with any named property or land manager.
Anyone able to help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 1053 of 18 May 2026. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
17 Sep 2026
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