Manx Wild Bird Aid, Police Wildlife Crime Officers and the Isle of Man Government are seeking information in relation to a juvenile female sparrowhawk that was found injured at Ballure, Ramsey on the 13 August 2019.
The sparrowhawk was discovered with a wound thought to have been caused by an air rifle and was recovered alive by a member of the public who passed it over to the charity Manx Wild Bird Aid, who care for sick and injured wild birds. Unfortunately the bird died of its injuries soon after.
Manx Wild Bird Aid informed the Police Wildlife Crime Officers and Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) Biodiversity Officers. Analysis of the bird's injuries by a vet showed that the bird had an entry and exit wound consistent with being shot by an air rifle. The bird also sustained broken bones when it fell to the ground and would not have been able to move far from the location where it was found.
Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
'I would urge anyone with any information about this incident to get in touch with the Biodiversity Officers at DEFA or the Wildlife Crime Officers. It is illegal to kill or injure sparrowhawks on the Isle of Man. Protecting our wildlife is immensely important and the department and local charities work hard to ensure these animals are protected.'
A spokesperson for Manx Wild Bird Aid, said:
'Not only has this wild bird been shot illegally, it is particularly upsetting that it has been injured in such a way to cause a lengthy period of unnecessary suffering prior to dying.'
Wild birds are legally protected under the Wildlife Act 1990 and it is an offence to kill or injure wild birds with the exception of game species. Penalties of up to £10,000 can be imposed.
Anyone with information relating to this case is being asked to contact Biodiversity Officers at DEFA on +44 1624 685835 or Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111.
