Police launch investigation after peregrine falcon found shot in Scotland

AN investigation has been launched by Police Scotland following the death of a peregrine falcon in Angus. 

On Tuesday, September 3, a member of the public found the injured bird of prey in the Glen Est area near to Tarfside. 

The SSPCA were called and the falcon was taken to the wildlife resource centre in Fishcross for treatment. 

Due to the severity of the injuries suffered by the animal, it was later euthanised on September 11. 

Following further investigations, it was established that the bird had been shot and police were contacted.

Constable Craig Savage, a wildlife crime officer, said: “Peregrine falcons are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and it is illegal to kill any protected species.

“Since this matter was reported to police, we have been carrying out enquiries and working with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances. 

Peregrine falcons are known for being the world's fastest animal (Image: Graham Hunt Photography) “We would appeal to anyone with any information that may assist our investigation to please contact us. Your information could be vital in in establishing what has happened. If you were in the Glen Esk area around Tuesday, 3 September and saw anything suspicious or have any information about shooting activity in the area, please come forward.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference CR/0368615/24.”