'Wildlife specialists' torture and kill buzzard in shock video

Disturbing footage shows a man named on the web as Artyom Kupchin torturing and kicking a wounded bird which is finally shot by his accomplice. The Rough-legged Buzzard shields itself with its wing, and at one point claws its tormenter to draw blood. 

Kupchin is known in Amur region as a spokesman on wildlife issues, and is an employee of the Amur region wildlife protection body. He is also a fourth year student of the Far Eastern State Agrarian University in Blagoveshchensk.

The second man who films the cruelty video before pulling the trigger, was identified only as Artem K, a wildlife inspector, a student at the same university. The video was highlighted first by local blogger Natalya Kalinina who expressed 'outrage' at the film.

University experts identified the bird as a Rough-legged Buzzard. Hunting is forbidden. Dr Svetlana Sandakova says: 'This bird is young, about two years. Gradually with age more brown tones, streaks on its back, will appear. For now it is clear that the bird is whitish.'

Dean of the Faculty of Nature of Far Eastern State Agrarian University Alexander  Senchik said: 'We are conducting an internal investigation. If it turns out that it is our students, then we will take the most severe measures.' The pair could be prosecuted under cruelty to animals laws.