A BIRD of prey which had become a ‘village pet’ in Church Lawford has died from ‘significant trauma’ – and police are appealing for more information.
A Red Kite was found injured and rescued by members of the community last December. It was taken to Nuneaton Wildlife Sanctuary where it has since died.
Church Lawford resident Lorna Nicholson, who found the Kite, said: “The Red Kite has become the village pet over the last few years, for me especially, enjoying the sight of such a beautiful bird soaring across the sky.
“I was saddened to find the bird injured at the base of the Ash Tree, where it often sat looking out over the fields.”
It is not known how the bird suffered its injuries.
PC Andy Timmins, a Wildlife Crime Officer from Warwickshire Police’s Rural Crime Team, is appealing for information.
He said: “The Red Kite is a protected bird under schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, meaning that it is given year-round protection against being disturbed, killed or injured, its eggs being taken or damaged, or nests being damaged or destroyed.
“Unfortunately raptor persecution exists, resulting in the necessity for a full investigation to take place.
“A full post mortem of the Kite has confirmed that no poisons were consumed nor any shot or projectile was found, leaving the trauma as unexplained.
“Raptors are known to fly into power cables and have an unhealthy habit of subduing their prey in the middle of road, which may have led to its premature demise.
“However if anyone has any information that may shed any more light on this investigation, I would look forward to hearing from you.”
Email PC Timmins on [email protected] with information.
