THE Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has said it is shocked, but sadly not surprised, after an RSPB investigation into the shooting of two buzzards on a North Yorkshire grouse moor resulted in no conviction.

The RSPB had seen an eagle owl tethered as a decoy and watched as a person in camouflage shot two buzzards which had been drawn in. Unfortunately, though someone was interviewed under caution by police, there was not enough evidence to prosecute.

Inspector Matt Hagen of North Yorkshire Police said: “We could not prove beyond reasonable doubt who the individual was so that case will not be progressing. That does not mean that this incident did not happen."

He added: "They used a live eagle owl as a decoy to draw buzzards into an area where they were shot.”

Insp Hagen has urged members of the public to report to police if they see anything like this or any raptor persecution. Neither the police nor the RSPB revealed which moor the incident had taken place on.

Neil Heseltine, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: ”This shows a callous disregard for the law and birds of prey that is all too familiar from some within the community. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority condemns raptor persecution in the strongest possible terms and continues to work closely with partners and others to stamp out this crime once and for all.

“This incident, and the continuing issue of bird of prey persecution in the county demands maximum exposure. People need to know what is happening here and the devastating impact this is having on our protected species.

“All birds of prey are protected by law and killing them is a criminal offence. If this activity continues it is difficult to see how the Government in England will not be forced to examine other ways in which to prevent this criminality. Certainly the actions of the individual involved in this case can only be assisting those who wish to see the end of driven grouse shooting. For that reason, if no other, you would hope someone in the community might expose their obnoxious criminal activity.

“Finally, I would encourage anyone, local or visitor, who witnesses any suspicious activity while they’re out and about in the countryside, or anyone who is made aware of it through their networks, to contact the Police”.

For concerns about a possible wildlife crime, you should call 101. If you witness a suspected wildlife crime in action, call 999 immediately and ask for the Police. Finally, you can speak in confidence about raptor persecution directly with the RSPB on 0300 9990101