Shot kestrel later died

A kestrel found with a leg injury that led to its death was illegally shot, according to a Shropshire falconer.

Mark Southall runs Hawks on Walks, a falconry attraction in Shrewsbury and also rescues injured birds of prey.

He was contacted by the owners of Preston Farm, in Uffington, three weeks ago when they saw a kestrel flying around with leather straps on its legs, indicating it was an escaped pet.

The male bird was not seen again until this week when Mr Southall was able to catch it and check it over.

He said the bird had a leg injury so he took it to Martin Danks Veterinary Surgery, in Whitchurch Road, where it had to have its leg amputated. Mr Southall planned to rehabilitate the bird and keep it in a rescue centre he is currently setting up but sadly it died on Thursday.

"I captured it on Monday night and saw its leg was so badly injured it was hanging off. The leg had to be amputated and when I examined it I saw it had been shot through with a 22. rifle."

Judith Haw, RSPCA spokeswoman, said: "Targeting animals with an airgun is an offence because it poses unnecessary suffering.Anyone who witnesses people shooting at animals should contact the police or RSPCA as soon as possible."