INVESTIGATORS from the RSPCA have vowed to make use of a recent conviction – which noticed a Barnsley pensioner obtain a four-figure invoice for gunning down a protected sparrowhawk – for instance in a Yorkshire-wide marketing campaign to assist reverse dwindling fowl of prey numbers.
Peter Smith, of Clifton Close, Barnsley was charged with killing a sparrowhawk at Hope Street Allotments, Mapplewell, in February final yr.
The 77-year-old, who pleaded not responsible, was convicted following a trial at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court in December.
He returned final month and was given a £2,172 invoice which was made up of courtroom prices of £1,500, a £480 high-quality and a £192 surcharge.
Magistrates had been informed Smith – who stored pigeons at his allotment – was recorded by a witness carrying an air rifle and was confronted about capturing the sparrowhawk.
According to the RSPCA, who efficiently oversaw the conviction, additional incidents involving accidents or fatalities will end in equally stern motion being taken.
The most punishment for the offence is a limiteless high-quality and as much as six months in jail.
Inspector Jack Taylor, who interviewed Smith, stated: “It is essential that the general public is aware of the RSPCA fights for justice for all animals, together with our gorgeous wildlife.
“They is not going to be left undefended and unstated for when wanted.
“All birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and we will continue to investigate potential offences committed against our wildlife.”
Barnsley’s sparrowhawk inhabitants has diminished by 25 per cent in a decade as a result of persecution, Mr Taylor added, and a nationwide marketing campaign – dubbed Operation Owl – is in search of to reverse the decline alongside law enforcement officials and the RSPB.
Darren Martland, lead for rural crime on the National Police Chiefs’ Council added: “All wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected by law.
“Offences can carry a prison sentence of up to six months – despite this, birds are being shot, trapped and poisoned.
“The problem is particularly concentrated on land managed for driven grouse shooting, where birds of prey are seen by many as a threat to grouse stocks.
“Our ask of the public is simple: if you come across a wildlife crime scene, for example a dead bird of prey or objects that may be related to a wildlife crime, record what you find and report it to police on 101.
“The more information available to law enforcement, the greater chance we have of prosecuting offenders.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that people think they can ignore the law and subject these birds to poisonings, shootings, nest destruction and the illegal use of traps without consequence.
“We will be doing everything in our power to catch these offenders, supported by our colleagues in the RSPCA and RSPB.”
