26th
April
POLICE
are appealing for information after the illegal shooting of rare birds of prey
in the Borders.
On
February 14, a member of the public discovered a dead goshawk on land near
Abbey Saint Bathens, Duns, and reported the matter to the RSPB.
Forensic
analysis of the bird was undertaken, and it was established that it had been
shot.
Police
were then contacted on Thursday, April 25.
The news
comes after the shooting of another goshawk in the Peebles area on March 2.
Inquiries
into both shootings are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to come
forward.
Wildlife
Crime Co-Ordinator, Constable Steven Irvine, said: "Inquiry was already
underway into the shooting of the goshawk in March and we are now conducting
inquiries into the earlier shooting of the bird in February.
"These
birds are a protected species and unlawfully killing them is a very serious
offence.
"Anyone
who can assist with these investigations should contact police
immediately."
Ian
Thomson, RSPB Scotland’s Head of Investigations said “Goshawks are one of
Scotland’s rarest breeding raptors, with only about 150 breeding pairs.
“Despite
the fact that most of their diet consists of crows, woodpigeons and rabbits,
species that are perceived as pests by some farmers and gamekeepers, cases of
illegal persecution against this species are not uncommon, depriving people of
the opportunity to see this charismatic and spectacular bird of prey.
"We
join with the police in asking that if anyone has information about this crime,
or other raptor persecution incidents, they contact Police Scotland.”
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