Police have launched an investigation after a buzzard was shot on the North York Moors.
The bird was found in the Bransdale area with shotgun pellets in its wing and a broken leg.
It was taken to a vet but had to be put to sleep because of its injuries.
The bird was found on Monday 4 May. An x-ray showed the pellets from a shotgun lodged in its wing.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “It is believed the broken leg occurred up to 48 hours before it was found, and may have been caused by a hard landing – so the buzzard could have been shot within that same 48-hour period.
“Buzzards and other birds of prey are legally protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. To intentionally kill or injure one is a criminal offence.”
Police are urging anyone with information to call them on 101, with the reference number 12260080894.
