Animal welfare chiefs say they suspect that two birds of prey have been shot dead in the space of a week.
The Scottish SPCA is working with Police Scotland as they look into the incidents after a firearm was confirmed as being used in one of the Sparrowhawk's death.
One bird had to be put to sleep, while another was found dying with suspicious injuries which the SSPCA believe may be linked. A bird initially thought to have been stunned was found on Lochwinnoch Golf Course, Renfrewshire, on April 5 but its injuries were unsurvivable.
An undercover Scottish SPCA special investigations unit inspector said: "It was initially thought that the bird had been stunned but upon examination at the Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, it was discovered that they had been shot.
"This caused a catastrophic shoulder injury and sadly resulted in the bird having to be put to sleep.
"Another member of the public also reported finding another sparrowhawk the week before, which was bleeding from the wing. Unfortunately, that bird died before help could be called for.
"It is unknown if they had also been shot but it's certainly very suspicious that two sparrowhawks with similar injuries were found in the same area only a week apart.
"We are working closely with Police Scotland to establish the circumstances around the bird's injuries due to the use of a firearm in the incident.
"We would like to find out what happened to this sparrowhawk.
"If anyone witnessed anything or has any information they feel may be relevant they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999 or Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number KB01540722 of 5 April 2022."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
Read next:
