THE RSPCA is seeking to prosecute the person who killed a buzzard with a shotgun near Bridgwater on New Years Eve.

A passer-by contacted the animal welfare charity after seeing the buzzard killed near Yew Tree House on Manor Road in Chedzoy, Bridgwater at around 3pm on Saturday, December 31.

Inspector John Pollock hopes a description of a vehicle seen by the person who saw the buzzard fall to the ground after being shot will help find those responsible.

He said: “It is unacceptable that someone targeted this bird and fatally wounded it. The member of the public who contacted us was concerned after hearing gunshots and seeing the buzzard had been shot dead.

“They also saw two men driving away in a distinct vehicle. We hope that a someone will recognise a the description of the dark blue old style 4x4 that had large red and white chevrons on the roof and get in touch.

“We urge anyone with information about what happened to this buzzard to contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

“While there are some shooting practices which are legal, we would like to remind people that it is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act to intentionally injure, kill or take a wild bird, except under licence. Anyone found guilty could face a fine of up to £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.”

The dead buzzard was taken to the RSPCA’s West Hatch wildlife centre near Taunton where it was confirmed from an x-ray that the buzzard had been shot with a shotgun.

Buzzards are the most common and widespread bird of prey in England and Wales, and feed on small mammals such as mice, rats and young rabbits.

They are renowned for their unusual aerial displays including loop-the-loops and a display often called 'the roller coaster', in which the bird flies high into the sky and dives straight to earth in a twisting spiral, before starting the display over.