Derbyshire Police are appealing for information after a sparrowhawk died from gunshot injuries.
The injured sparrowhawk was found by a member of the public on 24 July 2024 in the Walton area of Chesterfield and was taken to the Pet Samaritans Animal Sanctuary in Old Whittington.
A Derbyshire Police spokesperson said:
“The injured Sparrow Hawk was found by a member of public in the Walton area on July 24. On closer inspection, it has become apparent that the bird has been shot by what we believe to be an air rifle.
Sadly, despite the best efforts from the staff at Pet Samaritans, the Sparrow Hawk has since died from its injuries.
Sparrow Hawks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which means that it is illegal to intentionally kill, harm or physically move them. Anyone found guilty of killing a Sparrow Hawk could face an unlimited fine and up to six months imprisonment“.
If you have any information about this incident please contact Derbyshire Police’s Rural Crime Team via 101 or email: drct@derbyshire.police.uk and quote reference number 24*454772.
Raptor Persecution UK 
It’s a wonder there’s any wildlife left, every day I get emails saying somethings been shot or trapped or poisoned I hope the idiot that shot this beautiful bird is pleased with his small minded self. And yes I am a confirmed bird of prey lover or any wildlife for that matter.What a waste!!!
Racing Pigeoneer?
Disgusting low life waste of a skin . These scumbags are just uneducated uncaring depraved and need to be pitied for being this way need to be locked up . As they are not safe to be in society starts with birds and animals then what we will be watching the news someone has killed someone or mass murdered.
Interesting that it’s another air rifle killing, there’s been several reported on this blog recently. Air weapons with power to do this sort of damage are too easy to obtain. I’m assuming a urban or suburban location? I agree, pigeon fancier is a likely suggestion
Appreciate that a pigeon fancier is the most likely culprit but, also, when you look at birding Facebook groups, demonisation of Sparrowhawks is second only to the ignorant demonisation of Magpies.
[Comment deleted as libellous. I’ve checked the link you provided, Andrew, and the website doesn’t say what you claim it says]
[Ed: Thanks Andrew, I’m well aware of that organisation’s stance but they’re looking for legal raptor control, not advocating for illegal killing]
Scum of the earth! You know who you are and hopefully everybody else will