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PROTECTED FALCON FOUND SHOT

By County Press Reporter - Monday, March 17, 2008
POLICE are investigating the shooting of a peregrine falcon found injured in a garden at St Lawrence, Ventnor.
The homeowner contacted the Isle of Wight Falconry Centre at Appuldurcombe after the incident, on Sunday, March 9, and they captured the bird and took it to the vet.
The vet confirmed the falcon had been shot in the back with an air pellet. Shotgun pellets were also found in the bird’s wings, but these wounds had healed over. The bird is currently recovering at the falconry centre.
Wildlife officer PC Nicholas Massey, from Ryde police station, said: “The peregrine falcon likes to feed on pigeons, so they often become the enemy of pigeon racers. It’s possible this bird travelled many miles before becoming exhausted due to the lack of food.
“The peregrine is afforded the highest degree of legal protection. This level of protection is essential to the conservation of the peregrine, which remains comparatively rare, and is extremely vulnerable to human activities, including continued illegal persecution.
"The peregrine is a valuable indicator species of the health of the environment. There areonly about 1,400 breeding pairs in the UK.”
Fines up to £5,000 and/or up to six months' jail can be imposed on anyone breaking the law protecting peregrines.
PC Massey is one of two Island officers trained to investigate wildlife crime. The other, Sgt Richard Stapleton, said their role was to work with other agencies such as the RSPCA, RSPB and the local authority "to ensure our wildlife is protected from those members of our society who are either motivated to commit cruel acts or who may be unaware their actions can destroy natural and sometimes irreplaceable objects."
For advice or to report wildlife crimes, contact either officer on 0845 0454545 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. PC Massey can also be emailed at nicholas.massey@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.