Appeal after buzzard killed in North York Moors

A buzzard has been shot and killed in the North York Moors National Park.

It is thought the bird of prey was targeted near to Beck Hole Road, Goathland, on 2 May, according to North Yorkshire Police.

Its rural task force appealed for any witnesses or anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in the area at the time to contact police.

Buzzards and all other birds of prey are legally protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, meaning to intentionally kill or injure one is a criminal offence.

Anyone convicted of doing so could be at risk of receiving an unlimited fine or up to six months in jail, the force said.

Tom Hind, chief executive officer of the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: "We are appalled to once again be addressing the suspected illegal killing of a bird of prey in the North York Moors.

"That we are having to repeat this message highlights the ongoing and unacceptable threat posed to wildlife in our region."

He added: "Every incident damages the reputation of our region and our rural communities, and undermines all the positive work being done by landowners and land managers to achieve a sustainable, resilient and biodiverse future for all of us."

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