3:40pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008
A peregrine falcon that was shot and left for dead is recovering at a rescue centre.
The bird of prey has been taken to the RSPCA Mallydams Wood wildlife centre, near Hastings, after it was found near Rye.
The juvenile male bird was discovered by a member of the public.
RSPCA chief inspector Steve Dockery said: “This attack on this beautiful bird shows no respect for wildlife. This bird is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the person responsible for shooting him could be prosecuted and face up to six months in prison.”
The bird is expected to make a full recovery and then will be released back into the wild.
The peregrine falcon is often said to be the fastest animal on the planet in its hunting dive, the stoop.
It can swoop towards its prey at speeds of more than 200mph.
Peregrines have suffered illegal killing from gamekeepers and landowners and have been a target for egg collectors.
But better legal protection and control of pesticides, which indirectly poisoned birds, have helped the population to recover from a low in the 1960s.
Anyone with any information on who shot the falcon is asked to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234999.
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