Police investigate trapping of buzzard

Police are investigating a report of a trapped buzzard south of Inverness.

The discovery of the bird of prey near Moy – described by environmentalists as a “known hotspot” for raptor persecution – was made by a member of the public earlier this month.

However, after a police search, the creature could not be found.

Officers are treating the incident as a deliberate unlawful use of a trap.

The trap was close to a fence near a rough, marshy grazing area close to the B9154 and the national cycle path between Moy and Craggie.

Inspector Mike Middlehurst said: “A lot of good work has been done in the Highlands and this has been a good season for raptors locally, so any evidence of continued persecution is disappointing.

“This unfortunately appears to be an example of deliberate unlawful use of a legal trap to cause suffering to a bird of prey.

“The location next to the national cycle network path will hopefully help us identify anyone seen acting in a suspicious manner in the area.

“Anyone seen near the fence lines, walking up the fence lines, placing articles on the fence posts would be of great interest to us.”

Dr Ruth Tingay of Raptor Persecution UK said: “It comes as no surprise to learn of yet another attack on a protected raptor species in the Moy area. This is a well-known hotspot for raptor persecution crimes.

“These traps cause immeasurable suffering and anyone caught using one deserves a lengthy custodial sentence. There’s simply no excuse for this savagery in 21st Century Scotland.”

A spokesman for Scottish Land & Estates said: “Police Scotland have stated that this incident involves the use of a legal trap. As their investigation is ongoing, it is not appropriate to comment or speculate further on the circumstances.”