Appeal after red kite shot

A PROTECTED red kite has died after being illegally shot in South Lanarkshire.

The red kite was put down after being shot. Picture: submitted

The Scottish SPCA today revealed that officers from the animal welfare charity had been alerted on 8 August after a member of the public discovered the injured raptor in the South Lanarkshire village of Leadhills.

A spokeswoman said: “Sadly, the juvenile female red kite was suffering to such an extent that the kindest and only humane option was to put her to sleep. Post-mortem results have confirmed that the bird was shot.”

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “This bird was caused a great deal of pain and suffering as a result of being shot. Sadly, she was so badly injured that she would not have been able to make a recovery.”

He added: “As well as being cruel, injuring a wild bird is also a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and we are very keen to speak to anyone who has information about this incident.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.