Reward offered for information in falcon shooting in West Allis

The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally shooting an endangered peregrine falcon in West Allis.

The falcon was found in the early afternoon on Feb. 27 in the back yard of a bar at the 2200 block of 55th Street in West Allis, according to the Wisconsin Humane Society. X-rays revealed multiple pellets embedded in the bird, suggesting she had been wounded with a shotgun. The collar bone was fractured.

Peregrine falcons are protected under state and federal law.

“We are appalled at this kind of cruel disregard for an endangered species in our state,” said Melissa Tedrowe, Wisconsin state director for the HSUS, in a news release. “We are so thankful for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ diligent work to investigate this crime and bring the offenders to justice.”

The Wisconsin Humane Society’s wildlife rehabilitation staff members are caring for the bird.  

The investigation is being handled by the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

Anyone with information is asked to call the West Allis Crime Stoppers at 414-476-2274. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Humane Society says:

• Wildlife officials estimate that nationwide, tens of millions of animals are poached annually.

• It is estimated that only 1 percent to 5 percent of poached animals come to the attention of law enforcement.

• Poachers injure or kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel ways. Wildlife officials report that poachers often commit other crimes as well.

• The HSUS and HSWLT work with state and federal wildlife agencies to offer rewards of $5,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction of suspected poachers.

On the Web …

http://www.we-energies.com/environmental/protect_wildlife.htm