POLICE are calling on the public to help them stop the persecution of birds of prey after another red kite was shot in the region.

The latest one was found with lead shot in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and raises continuing concerns for the preservation of the extremely rare birds.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has named North Yorkshire the worst county in the country for bird of prey persecution for the past nine years.

A major campaign to reintroduce red kites in the North-East and North Yorkshire was launched in the 1990s after the birds became extinct in England and Scotland because of persecution by humans.

Numbers have now reached over 500, including 100 breeding pairs, but there is increasing concern over targeting of the birds, which have the highest possible legal protection.

North Yorkshire Wildlife Crime Officer PC David Mackay said the latest dead red kite was found on the afternoon of Saturday, March 11 at Greenhow, in Nidderdale.

Examination of the bird has now revealed the carcass contained what is believed to be lead shot.

PC Mackay said: “It has taken many years to re-introduce red kites, and these magnificent birds can now regularly be seen in the skies over North Yorkshire.

“They are a schedule one bird and have special legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

“They feed on carrion, dead and decaying carcases, including rabbits and rats and pose no threat to game birds, farmed animals or pets.

“I would ask anyone who has any information that could assist the investigation to get in touch with me.”

North Yorkshire is the UK’s biggest county geographically and is home to a large number of shooting estates, with a big economy in grouse, partridge and pheasant shooting.

There has been conflict in the past with birds of prey and concerns that they have been targeted by some in the rural community.

Police say anyone found harming the birds face fines of up to £5,000 and six months in prison.

Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, ask for PC 1452 David Mackay, or email david.mackay@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.