Regulations aim to prevent poison attacks on birds of prey

NEW regulations have been announced to stop the illegal poisoning of birds of prey and other animals with meat baits.

The joint action by Environment Minister John Gormley and Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith arises from the poisoning of 12 eagles and other birds earlier this year.

The regulations, under the European Communities Acts, will make it an offence to use any type of meat, fish, egg or other animal substance as bait to poison or stupefy birds or animals such as otters and pine martens, unless licensed to do so.