A seven-year-old peregrine falcon has been shot dead near a Forest of Dean nature reserve.
The bird, a seven-year-old female, was found near to the RSPB's Nagshead Nature Reserve in Parkend on 2 June and after examination it was found that the bird had been shot a close range with a shotgun.
The Police and the RSPB are warning that shooting a peregrine falcon is a crime as the bird is fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Penalties upon conviction include fines of up to £5,000 or up to 6 months in prison or both. Court can also order the confiscation of any vehicle, weapon or other thing used to commit the offence.
Mark Thomas from the RSPB investigations unit said; “This is awful. Peregrine falcons are magnificent birds of prey.
"It has taken 20 years for them to recover from the devastating effects of pesticide poisoning and now, at a point when they are doing well in south west England, we are finding that they are increasingly becoming the target of people who, for reasons of their own, hold a grudge against them."
Anyone with information about the shooting should call the police directly on 0845 090 1234 (quoting the incident number 296 of June 2). Alternatively, call the RSPB in confidence on 0845 466 3636.
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/news/Falcon-shot-Forest/article-1102814-detail/article.html
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