Police believe the buzzard was shot close to where its body was found. Photo: David Dixon CC-BY-SA-2.0

Police believe the buzzard was shot close to where its body was found. Photo: David Dixon CC-BY-SA-2.0

Police are asking for the information from the public after a buzzard was shot dead just outside the Yorkshire Dales national park.

The bird’s body was found near Soar Spring Wood in Leyburn, Wensleydale, earlier this month.

North Yorkshire Police said an examination of the remains showed that the buzzard had been shot with a shotgun.

The body was found on Sunday, 20 April and police said due to the extent and the nature of the injuries they did not believe the bird would have travelled far from where it was shot.

PC Julian Sutcliffe, of Leyburn safer neighbourhood team, said: “The persecution and killing of birds of prey is not something which we will tolerate.

“I believe that someone in the local area will know who is responsible for this wholly unnecessary act of cruelty and urge them to contact the police straight away.

“If you have any information which could help to identify the person responsible for this shocking act, I ask you to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone who can help with the investigation is asked to contact Leyburn police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Julian Sutcliffe. Alternatively, information can be emailed to PC Sutcliffe.

Information can also be passed to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111, quoting reference number 12140063555.

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