The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued an appeal for information about the illegal shooting of a red kite in Newry in April 2024.
The kite, nicknamed Vivienne, was well known in the Mournes. She was found with gunshot injuries on Cullion Road in Newry on 20 April 2024 but was later euthanised due to the extent of her injuries.
A spokesperson from the PSNI said:
“Following an x-ray on April 22, and later confirmation from Agri-Food and Biosciences (AFBI), it became evident in the x-ray that the bird had been shot, as pellets were embedded in its wing and neck, including a fracture to its humerus.
The Red Kite is a large, protected bird of prey, re-introduced to Northern Ireland in 2008 and is a truly beautiful raptor with distinctive markings, recognised by its fork tail.
This Red Kite, nicknamed ‘Vivienne’ due to its identifying wing-tags brown-pink 6V, was well-known in the area and throughout the Mournes since it was born here back in 2018.
At this time, we are asking for information from the public due to offences falling under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (NI) 2011.
Police take all wildlife crime very seriously and are appealing to anyone who has information about what may have happened to this protected bird to call us on 101, quoting reference number 1229 22/04/24.
If you are aware of anyone in the area intent on harming birds of prey, please contact police.”
Raptor Persecution UK 
i read this yesterday about Vivienne such sadness she was born 2018 6 yrs old cut down in her prime for what !! I just keep despairing at these sick sad individuals that are amongst us there are no words no excuses no bloody need .
i think that the police need to remove guns from them all and only hand them out for requests and signed for when the gun is given.