Red kites are protected by law. Photo: Brian Scott ![[CC-2.0]](/lib/img/layout/cc-attr.gif)
Police are appealing for information after a bird of prey was found with gunshot wounds.
The large adult red kite was found at Low Marishes, north of Malton in North Yorkshire.
Officers said the bird was still alive when it was found on Friday 25 March.
North Yorkshire Police wildlife crime officer PC Jez Walmsley said: “This is a magnificent bird of prey that has been deliberately targeted and shot.
“We are extremely lucky to be able to see these birds in the wild here in Ryedale, and as a community we should be appalled that someone has chosen to try to kill it.
“It is lucky that the bird has been found alive and there is still a chance that it might get to live a life in the wild. However, this does not diminish the severity of the crime and I am appealing to anyone who might have information that could assist me in my investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Jeremy Walmsley, or email PC Walmsley. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
OutdoorsAndy
09 April 2016It makes me so sad and angry to read this.
The North York Moors is a hidden gem for walkers, runners and mountain bikers, but the shooting of birds casts such a long dark shadow over it.
They are just killers, revelling in the death of other, very sick. I am not opposed to hunting but this is just killing. its time we called these people out.