Peregrine Falcon shot in the Forest of Dean
A seven-year-old peregrine falcon has been shot dead near a Forest of Dean nature reserve.
The bird, a seven-year-old female, was found near to the RSPB's Nagshead Nature Reserve in Parkend on 2 June and after examination it was found that the bird had been shot a close range with a shotgun.
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The Police and the RSPB are warning that shooting a peregrine falcon is a crime as the bird is fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Penalties upon conviction include fines of up to £5,000 or up to 6 months in prison or both. Court can also order the confiscation of any vehicle, weapon or other thing used to commit the offence.
Mark Thomas from the RSPB investigations unit said; “This is awful. Peregrine falcons are magnificent birds of prey.
"It has taken 20 years for them to recover from the devastating effects of pesticide poisoning and now, at a point when they are doing well in south west England, we are finding that they are increasingly becoming the target of people who, for reasons of their own, hold a grudge against them."
Anyone with information about the shooting should call the police directly on 0845 090 1234 (quoting the incident number 296 of June 2). Alternatively, call the RSPB in confidence on 0845 466 3636.
16 Comments
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by LC, The Fod
Thursday, June 25 2009, 1:09AM
“"their numbers are out of control due to interference from the do-gooders who dont understand the implications of multiple numbers of bops being encouraged to nest where they should not"
Quite right. A pigeon would never nest in places where they should not, nor would it breed inconsiderately so that the population exploded to a point where their numbers were out of control.
A heartless and dangerous act though as they are magnificent birds. But as others have said, it's unlikely we'll see justice i think. What's equally as worrying is people wondering around the Forest with shotguns.
I have to admit i found the Star Wars comment amusing though.”
by pigeon pete, in the loft
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 10:09PM
“i for one am glad its one less peregrine (or more) to worry about ,they slaughter our pigeons on a daily basis and travel vast distances to do so,their numbers are out of control due to interference from the do-gooders who dont understand the implications of multiple numbers of bops being encouraged to nest where they should not, hip hip hooray ,if the killer gets caught the local racing pigeon fraternity will have a whip round to help him out.”
by jammie, cheltenham
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 8:41PM
“Here we go again, innocent wildlife being destroyed by mindless scum of the earth. They know who they are.”
by bjbodiam, gloucester
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 8:02PM
“how far from the nearest country estate plus game keeper”
by state of the world, forest of dean
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 7:04PM
“Why are people allowed to keep shot guns anyway? anyone without a valid reason should not be allowed one. If this is some yob out taking potshots, how long before they shoot a person??”
by Proof Reader, Editing Suite
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 6:40PM
“This story really has brought out the comedic genius in some people...
A total waste of a beautiful bird and an act committed by some total idiot who will never be caught.
Mr Fox; it is unfair on Neanderthals to compare them to the hunting fraternity. The tally ho! brigade have no excuse for their shameful actions.”
by MR A BIRD, FOREST OF DEAN
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 5:53PM
“ITS NOT DEAD, ITS TRYING TO GET A SUNTAN”
by Las Aves, Good Airs
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 5:14PM
“Los responsables son hijos de putas!!!”
by Busby, Sky
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 4:47PM
“No wonder he got shot, I seen him pass me whilst on one of them mobile phones for 4 year olds.”
by Ben, Stow
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 4:39PM
“I feel sorry for the poor bird if thats the one in the picture. Laying on its back no snow to do snow angels. Ah well”