Buzzard put down after being found with broken leg and shotgun pellets in wing
A bird of prey had to be put down after it was found with shotgun pellets in its wing and a broken leg, police have said.
North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after the buzzard was found in the Bransdale area of the North York Moors on May 4.
It was taken to a vet, but had to be put down due to the severe nature of its injuries.
The bird was x-rayed and pellets from a shotgun were found in its wing, as well as a broken leg which police believe happened around 48 hours before it was found.
The force said the broken leg may have been caused by a hard landing - meaning the buzzard could have been shot within that 48 hour period.
Buzzards and other birds of prey are legally protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. To intentionally kill or injure one is a criminal offence.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 12260080894.