Точка Синхронізації

Police Scotland launched a criminal investigation on Monday following the discovery of a four-year-old golden eagle, named Hamlet, who was found with severe shotgun injuries on a private estate in Stanhope, near Tweedsmuir. The bird of prey was located by a local gamekeeper who immediately raised the alarm after noticing the animal was unable to fly. This incident has sparked significant concern among wildlife authorities and conservationists, as golden eagles are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making any deliberate attempt to harm them a serious legal offense. Hamlet, who was part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, had been tracked via a satellite tag which helped researchers monitor his movements across the Southern Uplands. Upon being found, the eagle was transported to a specialist veterinary facility for urgent treatment. X-rays confirmed the presence of lead shot within the bird's body, indicating that he had been targeted intentionally. Conservationists have described the event as a major setback for the regional reintroduction program, which aims to restore the population of these iconic raptors in the Scottish Borders. Authorities are now appealing to the public for information regarding any suspicious activity in the Stanhope area throughout the preceding days. The investigation involves the National Wildlife Crime Unit and specialist regional officers who are working to identify the source of the shooting. Wildlife advocacy groups have condemned the act, highlighting that despite increased legal protections, illegal persecution of birds of prey remains a persistent issue in certain rural areas of Scotland. The health of the eagle remains critical as veterinarians work to stabilize his condition and assess whether he can ever be released back into the wild.