Taking action on raptor persecution

As a member of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (UK), the Countryside Alliance has joined North Yorkshire Police in calling on anyone with information about an ongoing case of raptor persecution in the county to contact the police. On 11 March 2017, a red kite was found dead in Nidderdale, and an examination revealed that the bird contained what is believed to have been lead shot. Three rewards worth a total of £3,000 have now been offered for information leading to the arrest and charge of anyone involved in the killing, and Crimestoppers has also offered a reward of up to £1,000 for information given to them that enables police to arrest and charge those responsible. Information can be passed to the police directly, or anonymously through Crimestoppers by ringing 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 12170047155.

Although, nationally, incidents of raptor persecution are reducing, the time has come for it to be consigned to history. There is no excuse for illegally killing a bird of prey, and anyone who knows anything about this crime is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police.