North Yorkshire Police has launched an appeal for information after a buzzard was found injured in the Bransdale area with shotgun pellets lodged in its wing.
The bird of prey was discovered on May 4 with a broken leg and taken to a veterinary practice for treatment. However, due to the severity of its injuries, the buzzard had to be euthanised.
An x-ray later revealed shotgun pellets in the bird’s wing.
Police said it is believed the broken leg occurred within 48 hours before the bird was found and may have been caused by a hard landing, meaning the buzzard could have been shot during the same period.
Buzzards and other birds of prey are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it a criminal offence to intentionally kill or injure them.
Officers are now appealing for anyone with information about how the bird came to be injured to come forward.
Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference 12260080894.
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