Four charged in connection with wildlife crimes against birds of prey

Four men have been charged in connection with a number of wildlife crimes in Dumfries and Galloway. 

Police said extensive investigations have been ongoing throughout 2021 following reports of ongoing persecution against protected birds of prey and wildlife in Parton, near Castle Douglas. 

As a result of the investigation, four men aged 59, 52, 46 and 31 have been arrested.

A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Wildlife crime officer constable John Cowan said: “All allegations of wildlife crime are taken very seriously and matters such as this will be investigated vigorously in Dumfries and Galloway.

“We have excellent relationships with members of the public in our rural communities and they are only too keen to let us know when the magnificent wildlife in the area is coming to harm.

“We will continue to robustly investigate wildlife crime alongside our many partners in the hope that we can completely eradicate such practices.”

Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country