Police officer rescues injured owl on Devon road

An off-duty police officer spotted the owl injured on the A377

The injured tawny owl at Jonathan Woods veterinary clinic
Author: Lizzie CouttsPublished 22nd Dec 2025
Last updated 22nd Dec 2025

An off-duty police officer has rescued an injured tawny owl spotted on the A377.

The Devon and Cornwall Police wildlife crime officer noticed the owl at the roadside on Tuesday 16th December, stopping to transport the bird to a nearby veterinary centre.

The owl was checked over and treated by Jonathan Woods veterinary surgeons before being released back into the wild the next day.

Rural Affairs officer, PC Jules Fry said:

“The officer’s compassionate actions demonstrate the deeply embedded values our wildlife crime officers share,” PC Fry said.

“We’d like to thank Jonathan Woods veterinary surgeons for treating the owl and we’re really pleased to confirm that the bird was released into its natural habitat the very next day.

“We’re committed to keeping our communities safe, 24/7 – and that applies to our feathered friends too!”

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.