Finches seized in Pontypool wildlife crime swoop (From South Wales Argus)

Finches seized in Pontypool wildlife crime swoop

5:30pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News

A NUMBER of wild finches, which had been illegally caught, were seized from properties in Pontypool last week.

Police have been tackling wildlife crime in the area and carried out three warrants last Thursday under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

The warrants were executed in conjunction with the RSPCA, The National Wildlife Crime Unit and Animal Health.

Officers suspected offences involving the persecution of birds of prey and other wild birds.

Several wild finches were seized from addresses in Abersychan and Cwmynyscoy, which had been illegally caught, and the offenders are currently being investigated by the RSPCA.

A number of birds of prey were also checked to make sure they had not been illegally caught and all owners’ documentation was checked.

One person was formally cautioned for not having the relevant documentation for a bird of prey he had sold on.

All other birds of prey were found to be legally kept.

Wildlife crime officer Rob Maddocks said: “This multiagency approach to crimes involving illegally held and caught birds is part of ongoing inquiries in the Gwent area.

“We will not tolerate wildlife crime in Gwent and will continue to work with our partners to tackle offences.”

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: “We’d like to thank the police and the other agencies for their help in investigating these incidents.

Wildlife crime can easily pass unnoticed and so it’s vital that we work together to enforce the law.”

If anyone has any concerns about wildlife crime in Gwent call 101 to report it.