Kestrel found shot near Harrogate - police appeal for information

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A member of the public found the kestrel grounded and suffering injuries in Birstwith on December 30 last year.

The kestrel was quickly taken to a specialist vet for treatment, where x-rays found the body contained two shotgun pellets

One pellet was near the right stifle and the other in the shoulder region which had likely caused a debilitating fracture.

Polcie say the injuries were deemed to be very recent and would have rendered the bird unable to fly so it is unlikely to have travelled far from where it had been shot.

The kestrel was also in good bodily condition so the injuries are believed to have been sustained fairly recently before it was found.

Given the location of the fracture and the kestrel’s need for very fine control of flight in order to hover, the decision was sadly taken to humanely euthanase the bird.

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for anyone with information about this incident or who may have seen anything in the area shortly before the bird was found to call 101 quoting reference number 12190238326

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If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.