Police investigate after protected bird found poisoned
An investigation is underway after a protected bird was found poisoned near to Clee Hill Quarry.
The Peregrine Falcon was found on Saturday morning 1 May, offenders could face a prison sentence or heavy fine for killing or deliberately injuring a protected species.
Police received information that a female peregrine falcon had been found dead on the hillside below the nest near Clee Hill Quarry.
PC Grant said: “The body was recovered together with a pigeon that had been used as bait. The male bird has not been found, but is also believed to have been killed. The baited pigeon at the scene indicates that poison was used to kill both birds. The incident is currently under investigation by both West Mercia Police and RSPB Investigations.
“Peregrine Falcons are specifically protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, and the maximum penalty for killing or deliberately injuring a protected species is a fine of £5,000 and six months imprisonment."
Public to be aware
Police are asking members of the public to be cautious if with children or pets in the area and not to touch any dead animal. PC Grant added:
“We are asking members of the public walking on Clee Hill common with children and pets to be aware and to take care that poison bait may still be around and not to touch any dead animals that they may come across if they do see any such animals or anything suspicious, to please call the police."
Anyone who has any information regarding the incident can contact the police on 101 and quote incident number 258i of 1 May 2021 or contact them via our ‘Tell us about’ section on their website - www.westmercia.police.uk.
