A PROTECTED bird had to be put down after being shot in North Yorkshire.
The injured kestrel was found on Christmas Day on Amotherby Lane, and was taken to Jean Thorpe, who rescues and rehabilitates injured wildlife.
The bird had an injured wing which Ms Thorpe bandaged before taking the kestrel to the vets on Wednesday.
The bird was x-rayed and found to have a badly broken wing with metal fragments throughout; clearly showing that it had been illegally shot.
Its injuries meant it would not be able to hover, even after recovery, so the kestrel was put to sleep.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said it was “another terribly sad incident” of a majestic bird being killed in the region and anyone with information should contact Jez Walmsley on 101.
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