Buzzard illegally shot and killed prompts police investigation

A buzzard which was found illegally shot near Powys has prompted concern by the RSPB and police.

The bird was found dead on the ground by a walker near Llanrhaeadr-ym-mochnant on 10 February, and it was reported to the police.

The bird was X-rayed by a local vet and found to contain at least eight pieces of shot.

An X-ray found the bird contained at least eight pieces of shot. Credit: RSPB

Buzzards, like all birds of prey, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. To kill or injure one is a criminal offence and could result in an unlimited fine or up to six months in jail.

41 reports of wild bird crime in Wales were made to the RSPB’s Investigations unit in 2016, according to their Bird crime report, published last November.

The report also revealed that there were no prosecutions for bird of prey persecution in the UK during 2016.