Illegally-taxidermied goshawk seized by police
The eurasian goshawk, mounted in a glass display case together with a thrush, was spotted on a social media ‘for sale’ site by an officer
A taxidermied bird of prey offered for sale illegally online has been seized by Essex Police's Rural Engagement Team.
The eurasian goshawk, mounted in a glass display case together with a thrush, was spotted on a social media ‘for sale’ site by an officer from Norfolk Police’s Rural Crime Team.
Essex Police's rural engagement officers took over the investigation when it was determined that the man offering it for sale lived in south Essex.
Investigating officer PC Dane Wyatt explains:
"Wild birds are an important part of our natural heritage and the licensing system plays a vital role in protecting them"
“It helps to prevent illegal wildlife crime, supports responsible trade and ensures there is a clear and lawful record of where specimens have come from.
“Following the law is an important way of helping to safeguard our wildlife for future generations.
“I would urge anyone considering buying or selling taxidermied birds and animals to make sure they understand and comply with the relevant licensing requirements. We can, and do, take action.”
Although the 65-year-old man was running a legitimate business, he hadn’t realised he needed specific licences to sell or trade the goshawk, Dane adds.
Now the bird display been seized, it will be kept by the Rural Engagement Team and used to educate the public about wildlife conservation at public engagement events.
The owner has been issued with a community resolution, with a condition to research CITES conditions for the sale of taxidermied wildlife. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Fauna is a global treaty to protect vulnerable animals and plants from threats caused by international trade.
After issuing the community resolution, Dane says:
“The man had never been in trouble with the law before and didn’t know what licences are needed for selling taxidermied items.
“We want to make sure he is properly educated to understand it’s an offence to sell or trade taxidermied birds without the appropriate licences, so he doesn’t repeat his mistake.”
A community resolution is an informal, voluntary and non-statutory out-of-court disposal used by the police to deal with offences, typically where the offender has admitted responsibility and both the victim and the offender agree with the course of action, or resolution.
Birds of prey, taxidermy and the law:
Selling a taxidermied Goshawk in the UK requires a specific commercial use licence known as an Article 10 certificate from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
All birds of prey are strictly protected under wildlife trade regulations and listed on Annex A, which is part of the European Union and UK Wildlife Trade Regulations. Buying, selling or displaying any bird of prey for commercial sale without this document is illegal.