A BIRD of prey died after being deliberately injured in a shotgun attack, according to the RSPCA. Officers said the buzzard, which was found at the side of Holme Road in Ramsey, on Saturday, March 15, had both her wings broken in the incident The bi

A BIRD of prey died after being 'deliberately' injured in a shotgun attack, according to the RSPCA.

Officers said the buzzard, which was found at the side of Holme Road in Ramsey, on Saturday, March 15, had both her wings broken in the incident

The bird could not fly and was very weak. The RSPCA was called and the buzzard was taken to the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre in Norfolk.

The bird was found to have shot gun pellets in her wings and body but despite attempts to save the bird, she died a week after the attack.

RSPCA animal collection officer Vanessa Gautrey said: "We think that this shooting was a deliberate and mindless act of cruelty towards a wild bird.

"There is little chance you could mistake a buzzard for a bird such as a pheasant and we therefore need to find out what happened and who was behind this."

Anyone found guilty of injuring or killing a wild bird could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £5,000 fine under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.

INFORMATION: The RSPCA cruelty line number is 0300 1234999.