POLICE and the wildlife charity RSPB are appealing for information after a buzzard was found shot near Diggle in the Peak District National Park last month.

A member of the public found the bird dying on the ground and contacted the RSPB. However, it had to be put to sleep by a vet due to the extent of its injuries.

The body of the bird was x-rayed, and found to contain six pieces of lead shot and a post-mortem examination revealed the bird had also been shot at an earlier occasion, but survived.

All birds of prey are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. To intentionally kill or injure one is a criminal offence and could result in an unlimited fine or up to six months in jail.

The northern Peak District is a known hotspot for the shooting, trapping and poisoning of birds of prey.

Nearby, in 2018, a climber witnessed a red kite being shot near Saddleworth, the same year that a tawny owl and a short earned owl were found also shot near Wessenden Head.

The RSPB’s Investigations Team recently reported a surge of potential and confirmed incidents of bird of prey persecution since lockdown.

It is believed the absence of visitors and raptor workers from key parts of the countryside may have served as an invitation to some to increase their efforts to kill birds of prey.

Jack Ashton-Booth, RSPB investigations officer, drove the dying bird to the vet.

He said:“To hold the body of a bird in your hands that’s been riddled with lead shot, knowing you probably can’t do anything to save it, is devastating. That is the reality of raptor persecution.

“We are grateful to the member of the public who reported this incident. If you find a bird of prey dead or injured in suspicious circumstances, please report it to the police. We’re certain that more birds will be killed than we ever find or hear about.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Shooting a bird of prey is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and I would appeal to hear from anyone with information.”

Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 101.

Anyone who finds a wild bird of prey which they suspect has been illegally killed should contact RSPB Investigations on 01767 680551 or fill in the online form: https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/our-positions-and-campaigns/positions/wildbirdslaw/reportform.aspx

https://mediaserver.responsesource.com/mediabank/14769/BuzzardshotinDiggle.jpg