RSPCA appeal after spate of shootings targeting wildlife at historic Derbyshire gardens

By Wiktoria Wrzyszcz
Published 31st Mar 2023, 12:37 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
The RSPCA is appealing for information following a spate of shootings targeting wildlife at Buxton Pavilion Gardens.

Reports have been made to the animal welfare charity that a number of corvid birds have been shot, and two grey squirrels have also been targeted.

Fay Bowers, RSPCA animal rescue officer, who is looking into the incidents, said: “This is an area of high foot traffic - so it is possible that someone has seen a person targeting the wildlife. We’re really keen to raise people’s awareness that this is happening in the area and to report any information to us on 0300 123 8018.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It is so upsetting to think that people take pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals. These are deliberate acts of cruelty and we would appeal to people’s consciences not to commit these offences.”

Head to Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens this weekend for the Easter Extravaganza. Running from April 15 to 18, the event will feature over 50 stalls in the Octagon and on the Promenade as well as the Circus Academy and a Face Painter on Saturday and Sunday and a Balloon Modeller on Friday and Monday. There will also be hot and cold food stalls, children's rides, crazy golf, the miniature train and boats on the boating lake. The fun runs from 10am to 5pm each day. Some activities will be weather permitting.Head to Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens this weekend for the Easter Extravaganza. Running from April 15 to 18, the event will feature over 50 stalls in the Octagon and on the Promenade as well as the Circus Academy and a Face Painter on Saturday and Sunday and a Balloon Modeller on Friday and Monday. There will also be hot and cold food stalls, children's rides, crazy golf, the miniature train and boats on the boating lake. The fun runs from 10am to 5pm each day. Some activities will be weather permitting.
Head to Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens this weekend for the Easter Extravaganza. Running from April 15 to 18, the event will feature over 50 stalls in the Octagon and on the Promenade as well as the Circus Academy and a Face Painter on Saturday and Sunday and a Balloon Modeller on Friday and Monday. There will also be hot and cold food stalls, children's rides, crazy golf, the miniature train and boats on the boating lake. The fun runs from 10am to 5pm each day. Some activities will be weather permitting.

Following the incidents, RSPCA reminded it is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to take, injure or kill wild birds or interfere with their nest or eggs, unless under licence. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and an unlimited fine.

Further information can be accessed via the RSPCA website.