Police investigating 'sickening' damage at bird recovery centre in Brora

Police are appealing for information regarding two separate bird aviaries which were damaged within a property belonging to a local charity in Brora, leaving one bird requiring emergency care.

On two occasions, perpetrators accessed the main centre at Blue Highlands Bird Rescue, breaking in to recovery aviaries that house injured birds of prey, causing them to be unsafely released into the wild.

The centre, which provides crisis care for sick, injured, and orphaned birds before returning them safely back into the wild, is believed to have been targeted between the hours of 3.50pm on January 19 and 7am on January 28.

Centre manager Jane Wilson said: "The police are actively investigating, and have been provided with CCTV images thanks to the system our supporters helped to provide.

"We have recovered both birds thanks to a wonderful neighbour in Golf Road, and some very observant local supporters, and for that we are extremely grateful.

"One bird has been very badly injured as a result of the release, and has needed further emergency care. We don't know if he can fully recover.

"Somewhere in our village there is someone who is willing to endanger animals that are supposed to be safe, recovering and cared for, which is sickening."

Anyone with information in relation to this incident or any similar incidents is asked to contact Police on 101 or send a message via the Police Scotland website quoting NE/428/22 as their reference.

Annoymous reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.