Bird of prey put to sleep after being shot in Angus as police launch probe

An osprey has been put to sleep after it was shot in Angus. The discovery of the injured bird was made by a gamekeeper in the Glen Doll area on Monday, August 12.

The Scottish SPCA was called and the bird of prey was taken to the wildlife resource centre in Fishcross for treatment. However, the animal had to be euthanised due to the severity of the injuries.

Following further investigations by the animal welfare charity, x-rays revealed the osprey had been shot and Police Scotland was contacted. Officers are appealing for anyone with information on what happened to contact them.

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Detective Constable Daniel Crilley, Wildlife Crime Investigation, said: “It’s illegal to kill any protected species and we’re working with partner agencies to fully investigate the circumstances. Information from the local community is vital and I’d ask anyone who was in the area around 12 August and thinks they may have information which could assist our enquiries to come forward.

"We’re keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or has information about shooting activity in the area.”

Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland at Scottish Land & Estates, said: "We fully support Police Scotland’s call for information regarding this case and strongly encourage anyone who can help with their investigation to contact them. It is distressing that the osprey had to be euthanised despite the best efforts of the gamekeeper and the Scottish SPCA to attend to the injured bird.

“We hope the circumstances of this incident can be established as quickly as possible as we continue to strive to tackle all forms of crime against birds of prey and wildlife.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1671 of 26 August. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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