(Image: RSPCA Cymru)
Last Updated: 3 minutes ago
RSPCA Cymru is appealing for information after a bird of prey was discovered bound to a tree in a private woodland near Llanbrynmair.
The charity’s inspectorate is asking anyone with first-hand knowledge of how the buzzard came to be restrained to come forward, as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding what they have described as a distressing case.
The discovery
The buzzard was found on the afternoon of 14 April, secured to a tree root by a length of blue rope that had been fastened around one of its wings. The bird was already dead when it was located.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Julia Dalgleish attended the scene and found clear signs that the buzzard had suffered over a prolonged period before it died.
“This buzzard had clearly been in distress,” she said.
“The rope was very twisted which suggests the bird had been struggling and twisting around this rope for some time and there was a reasonable amount of bird excrement around the root that also suggests a relatively lengthy time frame.
“One of its wings was distinctly damaged both in terms of the feathers as well as having a wound on it.
“The bird’s body condition also seemed to be quite low as there was very little muscle tissue around the breastplate area.”
The investigation
Julia said there was currently no explanation for why someone had restrained the bird.
“There is no indication of why somebody had done this,” said Julia. “We’re appealing for anyone with first hand information to get in touch to help us with our enquiries.
“Our Inspectorate Appeal Line can be reached on 0300 123 8018 and incident number 01776998 can be quoted.
“We would encourage everyone to show kindness to wildlife. We share our space with a variety of wild animals. Every kind of animal deserves our care and respect. All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it’s illegal – except under licence – to kill wild birds. However, if tied up whilst alive there may also be offences under the Animal Welfare Act.”
Julia added that she wanted to thank the person who reported the discovery to the charity.
“This must have been a distressing find for the caller, who we’d also like to thank for their assistance in finding the location,” she said.
Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01776998.
