Bird of prey dies of gunshot wounds: Kisdon Upper Force, Keld
(DL11 - Friday, 4 November, 2011)

Police are appealing for information following the shooting and subsequent death of a buzzard near Richmond.

The bird was found at Kisdon Upper Force, Keld, on Wednesday 26 October 2011 by a national park ranger who was out on patrol

The bird landed near him but was clearly injured.

The ranger took it to a local vet's surgery where x-rays showed that it been hit by a number of pellets, causing injuries to its breast and a broken wing.

As a result of the injuries it sustained, the bird was unable to feed and sadly died.

PC Jon Wilbor, Wildlife Crime Officer for North Yorkshire Police, said:

"Due to the condition of the bird and the nature of the injuries when it was found, I believe that it had been shot several days earlier, causing it to starve to death.

"It is not clear if this is was an indiscriminate shooting or a deliberate act of persecution.

"In either case it is an illegal act that we will not tolerate and we will use all the powers at our disposal to bring those responsible to justice.

"I urge anyone who has any information about the dreadful shooting of this bird of prey to contact the police or Crimestoppers as soon as they can."

If you can assist with this investigation please contact PC Jon Wilbor at Richmond Police Station on 0845 60 60 24 7.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: North Yorkshire

Address:
Kisdon Upper Force
Keld
Richmond
YORKSHIRE
DL11