Red Kite euthanised after being shot – police appeal for information
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued an appeal for information about the illegal shooting of a Red Kite in Newry in April 2024.
The kite, nicknamed Vivienne, was well known in the Mournes. She was found with gunshot injuries on Cullion Road in Newry on 20 April 2024 but was later euthanised due to the extent of her injuries.
A spokesperson from the PSNI said: “Following an x-ray on April 22, and later confirmation from Agri-Food and Biosciences (AFBI), it became evident in the x-ray that the bird had been shot, as pellets were embedded in its wing and neck, including a fracture to its humerus.
Red Kites were re-introduced to Northern Ireland in 2008.
This Red Kite, nicknamed ‘Vivienne’ due to its identifying wing-tags brown-pink 6V, was well-known in the area and throughout the Mournes since it was born here back in 2018.
At this time, we are asking for information from the public due to offences falling under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (NI) 2011.
Police take all wildlife crime very seriously and are appealing to anyone who has information about what may have happened to this protected bird to call us on 101, quoting reference number 1229 22/04/24.
If you are aware of anyone in the area intent on harming birds of prey, please contact police.”
3 June 2024
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