Just five weeks after being released as part of the latest red kite reintroduction scheme, a young male kite has been found dead in Artengill, Cumbria. A post mortem examination revealed the young bird had been shot 4 times in the chest.
Police have begun an investigation, in partnership with the Forestry Commission and Natural England.
Will the culprit be brought to justice? Unlikely. It is yet another disgusting mindless act of violence by someone in the shooting community who knows he/she will get away with it. How many more of these incidents are we going to have to read about?
BBC news story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-11264438
Cumbria Police Appeal for Information here: http://www.cumbria.police.uk/news/latest-news/police-appeal-after-cumbrian-red-kite-found-shot
Raptor Persecution UK 
Very sad…but very predictable…
Once again I have to point out that “shot four times in the chest” will be 4 pieces of shot in its chest – from one [close and therefore no question of mistaken identity] shotgun blast..
That in no way lessons the crime…but we have to get these things factually correct or the killers and their apologists will simply sidetrack criticism.
DD
Just read that a Sea Eagle and an eaglet have been found poisoned in Denmark.
However, a reward of 7000 Euros for info leading to arrest and conviction was quickly offered.
Perhaps that is a worthwhile approach.