Goshawk shot and killed in Gloucestershire
Police are appealing for information after a protected bird of prey was shot and killed in the Forest of Dean.
Officers were called by a member of public who found the body of a Goshawk near Kempley on the morning of Tuesday 27 February.
An X-ray of the Goshawk, which had been ringed, showed an air rifle pellet had broken the bird’s hip leading to its death.
Gloucestershire Police Rural Crime Team said: “Goshawks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which means it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird.
“This sort of offence is taken seriously and if anyone has any information we would be keen to hear from them.
“If you have any information please Contact Gloucestershire Police Rural Crime Team on 101.”
Police say enquiries are ongoing and investigating officers are asking anyone with information on the incident to please get in contact.
Information can be submitted by completing the following online form.
Alternatively, you can call 101 and quote the same incident number or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Following the appeal for information the finder of the Goshawk, Amanda Grey, posted the following comment on the Raptor Persecution UK website
“I’m the person who found this bird. This info isn’t actually correct. The air rifle pellet is in the right wing, however, the left leg was also found to be dislocated/calcified and according to the vet, probably happened at the same time due to impact. The bird was severely underweight and most likely starved to death due to its injuries. We know from the ringing data that this was a two year old male bird. As someone involved in wildlife rescue, I arranged the x-ray and then reported it when we saw the results. I monitor goshawks locally for BTO ringers and I also run Forest of Dean Wildlife Transport Volunteers. The bird was left in my garden, presumably by someone who knows what I do but who didn’t want to get involved. I am as frustrated as everyone else at how long it has taken for this press release to go out“
9 April 2024
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