Bird of prey put to sleep after being found shot in North Yorkshire countryside
The buzzard was found with a broken wing by a walker on a public footpath near Kirkby Malzeard.
The bird was taken to a vet and a subsequent x-ray found it had a shotgun pellet in its shoulder. Sadly, its injuries were too severe to be treated and it had to be put to sleep.
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Hide AdOfficers are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed, or who has information on the shooting, following the bird's discovery on April 13.
It comes as police and conservationists urge for tougher penalties and deterrents for those who persecute birds of prey, with North Yorkshire one of the worst spots for incidents.
Inspector Matt Hagen, who is Head of North Yorkshire Police's Rural Taskforce, told The Yorkshire Post: “These crimes are very difficult to investigate because they happen in isolated places and there is often no one around to witness them."
Buzzards, along with all wild birds, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is a criminal offence to kill or injure any wild bird.