The RSPCA is appealing for information after a dead buzzard was discovered tied to a tree root in a woodland in Powys.

The bird of prey was found on the afternoon of April 14 in private woodland in Llanbrynmair.

RSPCA Cymru said the buzzard had been secured to a tree root using a blue rope, which was also attached to one of its wings.

An RSPCA animal rescue officer who attended the scene described signs that the bird had struggled for some time before its death.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Julia Dalgleish, said: “This buzzard had clearly been in distress.

“The rope was very twisted which suggests the bird had been struggling and twisting around this rope for some time and there was a reasonable amount of bird excrement around the root that also suggests a relatively lengthy time frame.

“One of its wings was distinctly damaged both in terms of the feathers as well as having a wound on it.

“The bird’s body condition also seemed to be quite low as there was very little muscle tissue around the breastplate area.”

The RSPCA is asking anyone with information to contact its Inspectorate Appeal Line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01776998.

“There is no indication of why somebody had done this,” said Ms Dalgleish. “We’re appealing for anyone with first hand information to get in touch to help us with our enquiries.

“We would encourage everyone to show kindness to wildlife. We share our space with a variety of wild animals. Every kind of animal deserves our care and respect. All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it’s illegal - except under licence - to kill wild birds. However, if tied up whilst alive there may also be offences under the Animal Welfare Act.”

Ms Dalgleish added that she would like to thank the caller who informed the RSPCA of this sad discovery.

“This must have been a distressing find for the caller, who we’d also like to thank for their assistance in finding the location,” she said.