We join North Yorkshire Police to tackle raptor persecution

The Countryside Alliance has joined North Yorkshire Police in calling on anyone with information about recently reported cases of raptor persecution in the county to contact the police.

In the last two months, six red kites have been shot or died in circumstances that suggest poisoning, the most recent incident involving an adult red kite found at Timble Ings, between Harrogate and Skipton.

The Countryside Alliance is a member of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (UK), the group dedicated to working together to combat wildlife crime.

Although nationally incidents of raptor persecution are reducing, with the number of confirmed incidents of illegal killing falling by 33% according to the latest figures, it is time to consign it to history.

Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance said: "There is no excuse for illegally killing a bird of prey, and anyone who knows anything about these crimes should contact North Yorkshire Police. The selfish actions of a small minority are a danger to the wildlife and conservation of our countryside, and the enormous investment that so many put into that".

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Notes to editors:

• North Yorkshire Police reported that on 15^th June, a member of the public found a dead adult red kite at Timble Ings, between Harrogate and Skipton. It was taken to a vet to be examined and x-rayed. A number of shotgun pellets were found in it, and this appears to have been the cause of its death.
• On 21st June the Yorkshire Post carried an article on this issue, quoting Countryside Alliance Head of Shooting Campaigns Liam Stokes - the piece can be read in full online here.
• In the last two months, six red kites have been shot or died in circumstances that suggest poisoning in North Yorkshire.
• Information can be passed to the police directly, or anonymously through Crimestoppers by ringing 0800 555 111.