Leyburn police are appealing for information after someone shot a buzzard near the town.
The bird’s body was found near Soar Spring Wood, between Wathgill Road and Reeth Road, on Sunday 20 April 2014.
An examination of the remains showed that the buzzard had been shot with a shotgun.
Due to the extent and the nature of the injuries it is not believed the bird will have travelled far from where it was shot.
PC Julian Sutcliffe, of Leyburn Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: The persecution and killing of birds of prey is not something which we will tolerate.
I believe that someone in the local area will know who is responsible for this wholly unnecessary act of cruelty and urge them to contact the police straight away.
If you have any information which could help to identify the person responsible for this shocking act, I ask you to get in touch as soon as possible.
Anyone who can help with this investigation should contact Leyburn police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Julian Sutcliffe. Alternatively, information can be emailed to julian.sutcliffe@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference number 12140063555.
