Buzzards lured to their death in Yorkshire Dales

Throughout 2019 and 2020 the RSPB Investigations team were watching a grouse moor in North Yorkshire where a live, tethered eagle owl was being set out in the open as a gunman waited nearby. This shocking crime has been caught on video.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority are shocked, but sadly not surprised, by footage recently released by the RSPB investigations team of two buzzards being lured to their deaths on a North Yorkshire grouse moor.  

Neil Heseltine, Chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said:

”This shows a callous disregard for the law and birds of prey that is all too familiar from some within the community. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority condemns raptor persecution in the strongest possible terms and continues to work closely with partners and others to stamp out this crime once and for all.

“This incident, and the continuing issue of bird of prey persecution in the County demands maximum exposure. People need to know what is happening here and the devastating impact this is having on our protected species.

“ALL birds of prey are protected by law and killing them is a criminal offence. If this activity continues it is difficult to see how the Government in England will not be forced to examine other ways in which to prevent this criminality. Certainly the actions of the individual involved in this case can only be assisting those who wish to see the end of driven grouse shooting. For that reason, if no other, you would hope someone in the community might expose their obnoxious criminal activity.

“Finally, I would encourage anyone, local or visitor, who witnesses any suspicious activity while they’re out and about in the countryside, or anyone who is made aware of it through their networks, to contact the Police”.

For concerns about a possible wildlife crime, you should call 101. If you witness a suspected wildlife crime in action, call 999 immediately and ask for the Police. Finally, you can speak in confidence about raptor persecution directly with the RSPB on 0300 9990101

You can read more about this investigation on the RSPB's website