Beaver found ‘shot and sheared’ on the beach

SHOCK: Protected animal washed ashore at Broughty Ferry may have been killed, skinned and thrown in river

A beaver that was apparently shot and sheared has been found on Broughty Ferry beach.

The animal’s carcase was found by a dog walker after washing ashore.

It is believed the animal had been shot and skinned before being thrown in the river.

Since May, beavers have been a protected species in Scotland, making it illegal to kill them or destroy established dams and lodges without a licence.

More than 400 beavers are believed to be living in Tayside – three times the number in 2012.

Beavers first reappeared in the region 12 years ago after they escaped or were illegally released from captivity.

Several reports of their persecution unlawfully have emerged in Tayside, despite the statutory protection.

The dog walker who spotted the animal said: “I was walking on the beach when I came across the dead beaver but was shocked to see it had been shot and skinned. It looked like it had been washed ashore.

“You could visibly see the bullet hole in the poor thing and it was quite shocking to see, especially as they’re meant to be protected animals.”

In June, a dead beaver was discovered on the beach with suspected damage to its legs and a dead, pregnant beaver was found shot near Crieff at the start of May.

Beavers can cause issues for Tayside farmers since their release into the region as they are said to undermine river banks and block drainage.

Landowners can obtain a “lethal control” licence from the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

In Perth last week, TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham called for tighter legislation to prevent landowners using loopholes to cull the creatures.

He said the landowners’ applications must be heavily scrutinised to prove beavers are causing damage to human interests.

Sarah Robinson, director of conservation, Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “Further investigation would be needed to determine what has happened to this particular animal.

“If anyone finds a dead beaver they should report it to Scottish Natural Heritage. If there is any suspicion that a wildlife crime has taken place, they should contact Police Scotland.”

Robbie Kernahan, SNH’s head of wildlife management, said: “Beavers hugely benefit biodiversity and are a protected species in Scotland. Anyone suspecting an offence has been committed should contact Police Scotland.

“Legislation is clear that killing beavers in Scotland without a licence is a crime. All licence holders have attended a beaver control training workshop and must adhere to strict conditions.”

You could visibly see the bullet hole in the poor thing and it was quite shocking to see

The carcase of the skinned beaver was found on Broughty Ferry beach.