Police are investigating the poisoning of pigeons after about 40 were found dead in Douglas.

Officers from the Wildlife Crime Unit received reports from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) that with the last few weeks up to 40 of the birds had been found lying dead or dying around the capital.

The substance that has poisoned them is unknown at this stage, but is suspected to be similar to Rodenticide poison.

A police spokesman said: ’This is not only a distressing and painful death for the pigeons but also poses a real risk to any animal that predates pigeons such as domestic cats.

’In addition pigeons are the primary food source for peregrine falcons which do have a presence in the capital.’

Any intentional poisoning of any bird is an offence under the Wildlife Act.

If you have any information in relation to this issue then contact DEFA or the police’s Wildlife Crime Unit on 631212.