Protected bird of prey is found shot dead in North Yorkshire

The Red Kite, a species protected by law, was found in Nidderdale and is believed to have been killed by a lead shot.
It was discovered near Greenhow on Saturday March 11 and an examination of the bird’s carcass revealed the gun shot wound.
PC David Mackay, a Wildlife Crime Officer for the North Yorkshire Police Rural Taskforce, said: “It has taken many years to re-introduce red kites after their near-extinction from the UK, and these magnificent birds can now regularly be seen in the skies over North Yorkshire.
“They are a Schedule 1 bird and have special legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. They feed on carrion and pose no threat to game birds, farmed animals or pets.
“I would ask anyone who has any information that could assist the investigation to get in touch with me.”
North Yorkshire Police are being supported in the investigation by Yorkshire Red Kites.
It is not the first such incident in the county.
Just last month a Buzzard was found between Pately Bridge and Ripon that had been shot and before Christmas a tagged Hen Harrier was reported missing from Upper Swaledale. Also in the Yorkshire Dales, a Peregrine Falcon was found dead in Grassington back in October.
If anyone has information regarding the latest incident they are asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC 1452 David Mackay, or email [email protected].
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote reference number 12170047155 when passing information.