A protected species of bird was shot dead in Bolton – and police are hunting the trigger-happy culprit.
The dead buzzard was found by a dog walker in a field near Salford Road at about 8pm on June 25.
The buzzard, given protected species status in 1954 had been shot in the head with what appears to have been a rifle.
Police Constable Randolph Lyle said: “Shooting game is a popular sport in this country and there are a lot of people who own legitimate firearms to shoot certain types of bird lawfully and in compliance with the terms and conditions of a general licence issued by the Government.
“However, the buzzard has enjoyed protected species status for more than 50 years because these birds are rare, and therefore shooting and killing one can have a devastating impact on their habitat and biodiversity.”
As the buzzard is a protected species, the person who shot the bird is liable to prosecution.
PC Lyle added: “People who do have legitimate and lawful firearms are normally extremely careful about what birds they hunt and it would be unfair to tarnish these people because of one incident.
“But equally there are those that do fool around recklessly and in doing so may be shooting at birds not knowing their exact species, and that is something we need to stop.
“I would appeal to anyone who has information about this incident to come forward. If you were in the area and saw people firing rifles or other weapons, then please come forward.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5578 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Picture courtesy of Richard Towell, with thanks.
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