A WILDLIFE rescue worker has raised concerns about the number of birds of prey which have been shot with lead pellets.

Sasha Norris, of Herefordshire Wildlife Rescue, has seen three buzzards within the past four months which have had lead pellets in their bodies.

As it is against the law to shoot any bird of prey, Herefordshire Wildlife Rescue is now working with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the police and Herefordshire Wildlife Trust to investigate the illegal shooting of birds of prey in Herefordshire.

The three birds were all found in different parts of the county- Mordiford, Honeymoor Common, and near Leominster.

Dr Norris said: "My view is that those who feel birds of prey threaten their livelihood need to take a look at the figures.

"There are around 40,000 pairs of buzzard in the UK. There are 70million people.

"The truth is that people are winning the game of life and it's the intelligent and compassionate thing to do obey the law and take care of wild animals."

The last buzzard she collected was sat in a strange posture, so she asked for an x-ray to be carried out, which revealed the bird had been shot and had a broken back. Sadly the buzzard had to be euthanised.

Dr Norris said: "We have seen numerous suspect and some proven incidents with wild birds of prey which have been shot or possibly poisoned."

She said that as buzzards mainly eat small mammals, carrion and rabbits, they are helpful to farmers and clean up the countryside.

Dr Norris said they very rarely eat game birds and she said members of the public need to be aware that it is illegal to shoot them.

She added: "The Wildlife and Countryside Act protected all birds of prey and now their numbers are in much better shape. People love to see them. Close up they are like small eagles. They grace our landscape and our skies and life would be impoverished without them."

The RSPB is offering a reward for any information regarding the illegal killing or injuring of wild birds of prey which leads to a successful conviction. People can call police on 101 quoting reference number 0538s201016, or call the RSPB investigations team on 0800 321600.

Dr Norris has asked anyone with information to also email info@siren.org.uk so she can collate information on this issue.