Bats seized from Essex business due to illegal taxidermy practices
The woman was running a legitimate business but was unaware of the specific licences she needed
A woman from south Essex has had bats seized from her business after unknowingly engaging in illegal taxidermy practices.
Essex Police's Rural Engagement Team carried out the operation following a tip-off from Natural England.
The woman was running a legitimate business but was unaware of the specific licences required to stuff or sell certain wild birds and animals.
Investigating officer PC Terry Verrall said: "She’d never been in trouble with the law before and didn’t know what licences are needed for selling taxidermy items."
According to PC Verrall, the Rural Engagement Team worked with the police National Wildlife Crime Unit to ensure the woman was properly educated about the legal requirements.
"The laws surrounding the buying and selling of protected animals and birds are there to protect species which are rare, endangered, or at risk of extinction," PC Verrall said.
In addition to the bats, parts of crows were also found during the investigation.
Under Section 6 (2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's an offence to sell, offer, possess, or transport a bat for sale without the appropriate licence.
The seized items will be destroyed, and the woman was issued a community resolution to prevent future violations.
A community resolution is an informal agreement used by the police to handle offences where the offender admits responsibility.