The x-ray showed evidence of shotgun pellets in the bird. Photo: West Yorkshire Police

Police have appealed to walkers for sightings of suspicious activities after the body of a red kite was found with numerous shotgun wounds.

The body of the bird of prey was found near its nest on Carlton Moor, north of Leeds Bradford Airport on Good Friday.

West Yorkshire Police said a walker found the raptor’s body on Friday evening, close to the High Trees Garden Centre on Otley Old Road.

Experts said 47 red kites have been the victims of illegal persecution in Yorkshire since they were reintroduced to the area, beginning just over 20 years ago.

Police said the walker retrieved the bird and contacted Yorkshire Red Kites. With support from the Harewood Estate, it was x-rayed and found to have at least 12 shotgun pellets lodged in it.

Officers from Leeds district wildlife and rural crime team are investigating the incident and said they would like to hear from anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area around the time.

Sergeant Dave Lund, West Yorkshire Police force wildlife officer, said: “People will be understandably appalled that someone has shot and killed one of these majestic birds that are such welcome sight in our skies.

“We are investigating this incident and would like to hear from anyone who saw anything unusual in the area or who has any information that could assist in identifying the person responsible.”

Police pleaded with the public to help their work to combat offences against birds of prey by supporting the national Operation Owl scheme, which helps people to recognise and report any suspicious activity and play their part in bringing those responsible for such crimes to justice.

Sgt Lund said: “We need the public to be our eyes and ears in support of our work to tackle wildlife crimes such as this and we would encourage anyone who does pick up on anything in their area to report it so we can take appropriate action alongside our partner agencies.”

Since their reintroduction into Yorkshire, starting in 1999, many kites have been shooting victims. At least 13 are known to have died of their injuries while several others either recovered or had been victims of illegal poisoning but had been found to be carrying lead shot from non-fatal shooting incidents.

Doug Simpson, Yorkshire Red Kites co-ordinator, said “It appears inevitable that we will continue to have a small number of people who persist in flouting the law which protects our wildlife.

“It once again raises the question of the suitability of some people to be licensed to own guns. This is not the first time that kites have been targeted at their nests – a particularly sickening and cowardly thing to do.

“Counting this latest victim, no fewer than 47 red kites have been confirmed as victims of illegal persecution since releases began in Yorkshire in 1999. That roughly half of them have been found by people out walking in the countryside shows the importance of everyone keeping their eyes open for anything untoward and reporting it.”

Anyone with information which could be relevant to the incident is asked to call West Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference 13200186201 or online.

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the RSPB’s confidential Raptor Crime Hotline on 0300 999 0101.