Peregrine falcon put down after being found badly injured

A wild peregrine falcon found badly injured after being illegally trapped and shot has been put down.

The bird was discovered in a field in Cratfield on March 15 and taken to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns.

However, the injuries were too severe to save it. Both of its legs were badly broken and it was also found to have been shot.

Police believe the bird was caught in an illegal trap and released alive but injured and officers would like to hear from anybody who could help find those responsible.

Sgt Brian Calver, head of Suffolk Police’s Rural Crime Unit, said: “These iconic birds are not a common site in Suffolk and are vulnerable to human interference. Populations are improving slowly but persecution by humans remains one of the biggest threats to them.

“These are schedule one birds and the fastest animal on the planet. To trap any bird in such a way is cruel but to release an illegally trapped bird with broken legs is horrible. This bird would not have been able to feed and if not found by a member of the public would have suffered a slow and painful death.

“The traps we suspect to have caused these injuries are indiscriminate when used unlawfully. I appeal to anybody who has any information about this to get in touch with Suffolk Police, quoting crime reference 37/18491/22.”

Website – http://www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/existing-report-update

Email – ccc@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

Phone – Call 101

Crimestoppers – Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org