Tawny Owl shot in Northamptonshire

In a shocking case of wildlife crime, a Tawny Owl has died after it was shot in a Northamptonshire woodland.

The bird was found injured in Badsaddle Wood near Orlingbury on Monday 29 April and taken to a rescue centre. However, despite the best efforts from staff, it later died from its injuries.

As a result, Northamptonshire Police have appealed for more information – Tawny Owl is protected under UK law, which makes it illegal to kill, injure or capture the species.

Despite being taken into care, the Tawny Owl died from its injuries (Steven Fryer).

Illegal killing

A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson said: "Like most birds in the UK, Tawny Owls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to kill, injure or capture a bird and also to damage or destroy their nests.

"Officers investigating the incident are appealing for information about sightings of anyone with a rifle in the Badsaddle Wood area."