A PROTECTED bird of prey has been found shot dead in North Staffordshire.
The Peregrine Falcon was found on May 7 at an undisclosed location.
Police are urging anyone with information to get in contact.
Sergeant Mark Joynson from Staffordshire Police said: "Peregrine Falcons are a rare species which means the birds, their nests, and eggs, are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take a Peregrine, or to disturb it whilst nesting.
"Officers are working closely with colleagues at the RSPB and inquiries into this incident are ongoing."
RSPB Intelligence Officer Helen Mason said: "Peregrines are magnificent birds and to shoot one is not only cruel, but needless and selfish.
"It has taken decades for the Peregrine population to recover from the devastating effects of pesticide contamination in the latter half of the last century, and yet we still find them targeted year on year by people who hold a grudge against them. The RSPB is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible."
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