North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Task Force is appealing for witnesses and information about the shooting of a Red Kite which happened near Westerdale, on the North York Moors. 

The Red Kite, suffering from gunshot wounds, was found by a member of the public on Tuesday 13 June. Despite being immediately taken to the vets it needed to be put to sleep due to the extent of its injuries. The wounds were fresh suggesting it had been shot recently.

It is against the law to intentionally kill, injure or take wild birds.

North Yorkshire Police is requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident. In particular, anyone who witnessed the shooting in the Westerdale area on either Monday 12 or Tuesday 13 June 2023.  

North Yorkshire has the highest incidence of raptor (birds of prey) persecution of any English county. The dedicated Rural Taskforce and specially-trained wildlife officers are committed to stopping these crimes and bringing offenders to justice.

Operation Owl is a joint initiative by North Yorkshire Police, RSPB, RSPCA, and the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.

People can help by being their eyes and ears out on the moors and dales. If you spot a dead or injured bird, poisoned bait, or a pole trap, please note the location, take a photo, and call North Yorkshire Police on 101 to report it.

It could help us to prosecute this criminal offence. Anyone with information that could assist our investigation should email Jack.donaldson@northyorkshire.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12230107850 when passing on information