Sparrowhawk shot and killed

Mon, 19 Aug 2019

A wildlife charity on the Isle of Man says it's horrified after a sparrowhawk was shot and killed.

The juvenile female sparrowhawk was found injured at Ballure in Ramsey last Tuesday.

The wildbird 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.

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.