Police probe shooting death of buzzard

Police are appealing for information after a buzzard was found shot dead in a woodland near Nairn.

The bird was discovered in the Dulsie area near Nairn on March 15 and a post-mortem examination established it had been shot and died of its injuries.

Wildlife crime officer PC Daniel Sutherland said: “Positive work is constantly ongoing in the Highlands in relation to raptor persecution so it is sad and disappointing to find another incident like this reported to us.

“I am grateful to the member of the public

“It is sad and disappointing to find another incident”

who came across the bird and reported it. Our inquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing.”

Ian Thomson, RSPB Scotland’s head of investigations, said: “It’s clear that this bird suffered a lingering and agonising death as a result of a deliberate criminal act.

“Very few people local to where this bird was targeted would have both the equipment or a motive to kill birds of prey.

“We ask that if anyone has any information about the death of this buzzard or indeed any other raptor persecution offences that they pass them to the police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.