Man fined after being caught advertising and selling protected falcon chicks for 'profit'

A man has been fined for advertising and selling a protected species of bird.

Gary McFarlane was caught advertising and selling peregrine falcon chicks without the required legal documentation.

The 61-year-old was found to be selling the chicks for “his own profit and under false pretence”.

MacFarlane was fined £2,025 when he appeared before Livingston Sheriff Court for sentencing on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

He previously pleaded guilty to 11 charges at a hearing at Livingston Sheriff Court on October 26, 2023, where he had an additional £5,220 confiscated.

The charges included four counts of advertising and selling peregrine falcons without Article 10 certificates being issued, which is a requirement under the legislation for selling such protected species.

He also admitted seven counts of making false declarations in terms of the parent lineage of the chicks.

Detective Constable Steven Irvine, of the National Wildlife Crime Unit, said: “This case sends a strong message to those who flout regulations in terms of our endangered and protected species that Police Scotland will thoroughly investigate these crimes and bring those responsible to justice.

“Gary MacFarlane sold protected chicks for his own profit and under false pretences which led to an extensive police investigation involving significant support from partner organisations including the SSPCA, the Scottish Government’s SASA forensic unit, the Animal Plant Health Agency, the National Wildlife Crime Unit and raptor specialists.

“Members of the public have a vital role to play in tackling wildlife crime and I would encourage anyone with information or concerns about this type of criminality to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”