In the UK it is a crime to intentionally kill or injure birds of prey under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with a sentence on successful conviction of an unlimited fine or up to 6 months in jail. A man has been arrested in connection with the deaths of some buzzards in Kneeton, Nottinghamshire. He is assisting police with their enquiries.
Nottinghamshire police officers have worked closely with the RSPB. They were called on 12 January about the deaths of the buzzers. Assisting in the investigation are wildlife crime officers from Newark and West Bridgford. Inspector Craig Berry said, “Following excellent partnership work by the police and the RSPB we have interviewed a man under caution at the police station in connection with the death of buzzards. The incident was called into the RSPB following a report that the birds were killed and officers are now making further enquiries.”
It is difficult to investigate these sorts of cases as it is hard to gather evidence to mount a successful prosecution. Anyone with information should contact the police by calling 101 or the RSPB or Crimestoppers.
SOME MORE STORIES ABOUT BIRDS:
