Peregrine shot in Devon, England

[AlisonL]

September 30, 2016

Another peregrine has been shot, in an area with a long history of raptor persecution.

Police investigate shooting of peregrine falcon after 25-year vendetta against birds of prey



Such a beautiful little juvie. I hope he/she will make a full recovery.



Photos: Devon and Cornwall Police.

Part of the article:

This incident is now subject to a police investigation and Devon and Cornwall's Police Wildlife Crime Officer Josh Marshall is appealing to anyone who can help to contact them with information that will assist in locating the offenders.

He said: 'These types of investigation are incredibly hard to investigate as very often there are no witnesses or lines of enquiry. It is clear that someone in the local community will hold the key to what has taken place.

"This Peregrine Falcon will have been shot by someone having a clear motive to destroy this rare bird of prey. The community in this area need to be aware of this incident and every effort should be made to bring the offender to justice.

"Within the community of Ipplepen are extremely privileged to have such magnificent birds on doorstep. I am calling on those residents to stand up, come forward and report to me any concerns or suspicions they have around those that may be responsible for such an act."

The RSPB is offering a reward of £1000 for information leading to a conviction.

Tony Whitehead, speaking for the RSPB in the south west said: "We know that Devon has long been a bird of prey persecution black spot and the area where these birds were found has seen five such incidents over the past 25 years alone. We need to stop this.

"Whatever drives a person to do this, it's important to understand that killing birds of prey is not only barbaric, it is also against the law. This makes the perpetrators, however they seek to justify their behaviour, no more than common criminals and we'd expect them to be treated as such."

More information:

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/police-investigate-shooting-of-peregrine-falcon/story-29766729-detail/story.html

[MAK]

  Probably a pigeon lover. 

[Shaky]

Probably a pigeon lover.  

And definitely an @$$#*|&

[carly]

 You can't fix stupid but boy I wish there was an 'ejection from the planet seat' for creatures like the one that shot this poor bird.

[jeanne]

I just don't understand how anyone could do such a horrible thing.  Poor sweet baby

[Donna]

  How sad!