Probe launched after pregnant beaver shooting

An investigation has been launched after a pregnant beaver was found shot dead on a Perthshire river bank.

The Scottish SPCA said the animal endured “significant unnecessary suffering” before its death.

Since 1 May it has been illegal to kill beavers or destroy established dams and lodge sin Scotland without a licence as the animals now have Euro - pe an Protected Species status.

The beaver’ s body was found on a river bank bet ween Crief fan d Comrie in Perth shire around April 23-24.