Bird of Prey targetted in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire tops the table of having the highest level of cruelty in the UK, against birds of prey

North Yorkshire is the worst area in the UK for cruelty against birds of prey.

That's according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds annual crime report.

In 2008, 24 incidents were reported to the conservation charity - including illegal shootings, trappings and poisonings.

That compares to a total of 14 incidents, in the rest of Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Police say they've taken a lead on wildlife crime in the last month, running the first national course to raise the profile of it and promote its best practice.