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Goshawk Found Shot in Aberdeenshire – Police Issue Appeal for Information

Police Scotland has launched an appeal for information after a protected Goshawk was found shot in the Whiterashes area of Aberdeenshire.

Goshawk

The bird was discovered on Saturday 8 November 2025 by a member of the public. Despite being quickly recovered with assistance from the Wild Arc Wildlife Rescue Centre, the Goshawk died before it could reach veterinary care. Subsequent enquiries confirmed that the bird had been shot.

Constable Ann Ashman of the Wildlife Crime Unit condemned the incident, stressing that Goshawks are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and that killing any protected species is a criminal offence. She confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that officers are working alongside partner agencies to establish the full circumstances.

Police Scotland is urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the Whiterashes area on the day, or who has information about shooting in the vicinity, to come forward. Constable Ashman emphasised that even small details could prove vital to the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 1942 of 8 November.

 

December 2025

 

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