Protected osprey put down after being shot in Perthshire as police appeal for information

An appeal has been launched after a protected species of osprey had to be put down after being shot in Perth and Kinross.

The bird was found injured and in distress by a gamekeeper in the Glen Doll area on Monday, August 12, and had to be taken to the wildlife resource centre in Fishcross for treatment.

The SSPCA was called and it was deemed that the bird had to be euthanised due to the severity of the injuries.

X-rays revealed the osprey had been shot.

Police are now appealing for any witnesses within the area at the time to make themselves known.

Detective constable Daniel Crilley, Wildlife Crime Investigation, said: “It’s illegal to kill any protected species and we’re working with partner agencies to fully investigate the circumstances.

“Information from the local community is vital and I’d ask anyone who was in the area around August 12 and thinks they may have information which could assist our enquiries to come forward.

“We’re keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or has information about shooting activity in the area.”

Ross Ewing, director of Moorland at Scottish Land & Estates, added: “We fully support Police Scotland’s call for information regarding this case and strongly encourage anyone who can help with their investigation to contact them.

“It is distressing that the osprey had to be euthanised despite the best efforts of the gamekeeper and the Scottish SPCA to attend to the injured bird.

“We hope the circumstances of this incident can be established as quickly as possible as we continue to strive to tackle all forms of crime against birds of prey and wildlife.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1671 of August 26. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.