Police probe shooting of golden eagle

Mar 14 2009 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

A BIRD of prey suffered “horrific” injuries after it was shot while out flying. The golden eagle was peppered with pellets during the shooting in Stanhope, Weardale.

Ivan, a two-year-old captive-bred bird, had a wing damaged and a bone shattered in its leg.

Last night owner Billy Wilson, 40, who bought the eagle in Germany when it was 18 weeks old, said the long term future of its hunting career was now uncertain.

Police have launched an investigation into the shooting, which happened on February 14.

Mr Wilson, of Penshaw, near Houghton le Spring, has flown birds for more than 20 years.

He said: “I have always wanted an eagle, since I was about five years old.

“He was out flying and then went missing but I managed to track him down.

“When I found him on the floor he was in a pool of blood.

“I thought he had been in a fight because there was a rabbit nearby. He had broken his leg but then I realised he had broken his wing.

“I then took him to a specialist vet where he was X-rayed and I found out he had been shot.

“He has been in a real bad condition and very stressed”.

Ivan – who has a flying weight of 7lbs and a 6ft wingspan – is now recovering after undergoing specialist treatment.

Mr Wilson added: “He’s a bit of a man’s man, he’s fond of other people but takes no nonsense and demands a lot of respect.

“I was absolutely mortified and it was the worst feeling when I was told that he had been shot.

“My life is upside down at the minute because of this, it has cost me a lot of money that I haven’t got.

“It takes people years to build up a bond. I had always planned to fly him as long as I could.

“I’m confident that he will fly again but as to how good he will be no one knows.”

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said that a 61-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and bailed pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 60 60 365.