The common buzzard has made a remarkable recovery across the UK following historical persecution and organochlorine bans, but illegal killing and prey availability remain ongoing welfare concerns.
Buzzard welfare involves both acute illegal persecution and chronic exposure to environmental contaminants. Birds found alive after poisoning or shooting require intensive veterinary care and rehabilitation, with many suffering organ damage before rescue. Secondary poisoning from rodenticides in rabbit and rat prey causes prolonged internal bleeding and suffering before death or discovery. Illegal persecution represents deliberate infliction of suffering on protected animals and should be taken seriously as a welfare and criminal matter. Reporting suspected illegal persecution is a direct welfare action.