RSPCA and North Wales Police have launched an urgent appeal after a suspected falcon shooting in Gwynedd.

The bird of prey was found with puncture wounds in Penrhyndeudraeth, near Porthmadog – and sadly had to be put to sleep due the extent of his injuries.

The RSPCA has urged people in the Gwynedd area to report potentially suspicious activity against birds after a peregrine falcon was found with puncture wounds consistent with being shot.

Rescuers from the animal welfare charity were alerted after a member of the public spotted the bird of prey struggling on a road in Penrhyndeudraeth; a few miles east of Porthmadog, last Tuesday (April 6 2021).

RSPCA Cymru collected the badly injured animal, and rushed him to the RSPCA’s specialist Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich for urgent treatment.

Specialists found two puncture wounds on the bird’s body, including to the chest – suggesting a pellet had gone right through the falcon. Sadly, the extent of the injuries meant there was no choice but to put him to sleep to prevent further suffering.

The charity has teamed up with North Wales Police’s Rural Crime Team to ask anyone who may know what happened to the falcon.

Rob Taylor, North Wales Police Rural Crime Team Manager, added: “It’s shocking to see such an appalling offence against an iconic species. Bird of prey persecution is a wildlife priority in the UK and our dedicated team are currently investigating this offence and if caught the offender will be brought to justice. We appeal that if anyone has information that may assist us then please call us on 101 or via the North Wales Police online reporting form.”

Contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 or police on 101.

Source: North Wales Chronicle