Protected bird of prey shot dead as police investigation launched

The red kite was recovered with the assistance of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Protected bird of prey shot dead in Aberdeenshire as investigation launched — It is believed the protected species was shot sometime between February 3 and February 4 iStock

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An investigation has been launched after a bird of prey was shot dead in Aberdeenshire.

The red kite was recovered with the assistance of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the Glenbuchet area of Strathdon. The cause of death was not apparent at that time.

However, it is now believed the protected species was shot sometime between February 3 and February 4.

The incident was reported to Police Scotland on Wednesday.

Detective constable Danny Crilley of the Wildlife Crime Unit said: “Red kites are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and it is illegal to kill any protected species.

“Enquiries are ongoing, and we are working with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

“I would appeal to anyone with any information that may assist our investigation to contact us. Your information could be vital in establishing what has happened.

“If you were in the Glenbuchat area on Monday, February 3 or Tuesday, February 4, and saw anything suspicious or have any information about shooting activity in the area, please contact us.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0846 of Thursday, February 27.

“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”