Peregrine falcon put to sleep following illegal shooting: Bedale, Yorkshire
(DL8 - Friday, 18 September, 2009)

The bird, a juvenile female, was found alive on land near Hornby Castle, between Catterick and Bedale, on Wednesday, 16 September.

After examination and x-ray by an avian specialist, it was found that the bird had been shot in the last five to six days with a shotgun.

The shotgun pellets had caused infection and fatal damage to the bird's flight muscles and tendons, leaving it incapable of flight.

To prevent the bird from any further suffering it was put to sleep.

PC Mark Rasbeary, a Wildlife Crime Officer from North Yorkshire Police, said:

"This is awful. Peregrine falcons are magnificent birds of prey, however we are finding that they are increasingly becoming the target of people who, for reasons of their own, hold a grudge against them.

"North Yorkshire Police takes crimes against wildlife very seriously.

"Shooting a peregrine falcon is a crime, the bird has the highest protection under Schedule one of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

"Rest assured, we will root out the offenders and bring them to justice."

North Yorkshire Police would like anyone with information about the shooting to contact them. Please call PC Mark Rasbeary on 0845 60 60 247.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Penalties upon conviction for killing a bird of prey include fines of up to £5,000 or up to 6 months in prison or both.

Courts can also order the confiscation of any vehicle, weapon or other items used to commit the offence.

Police Force: North Yorkshire

Address:
Bedale
North Yorkshire
DL8