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Rare peregrine falcon found shot near Stockbridge

The peregrine falcon in recovery at the Hawk Conservancy Trust

Police are appealing for information after a peregrine falcon was found shot on farmland near Stockbridge.

A peregrine falcon is a Schedule 1 protected bird and killing or injuring it is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The injured bird was found by a member of the public on Saturday 11 March on a farm at King’s Somborne.

The bird was taken to the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Amport, where it underwent treatment for a fractured wing.

The peregrine falcon, originally ringed at Salisbury Cathedral in June 2014 when it was three weeks old, is expected to make a full recovery.

“The bird may have either been shot at on purpose, or recklessly, due to its predatory nature on rural estates. The falcon was in fairly good condition when it was located. It was not malnourished and there were no signs of other injuries, which would suggest it had been shot in the local area fairly."

– PC Stephen Rogerson, Wildlife Crime Officer at Hampshire Constabulary