Partnership working leads to sentence for animal welfare offences

Our Rural Task force continues to work closely with organisations across our force area to crack down on wildlife crime. Recently a man from East Yorkshire pleaded guilty to several animal welfare charges in a case that was made possible through strong partnership working and coordinated enforcement.

During this case, the Naturewatch Foundation's Wildlife Crime Investigators uncovered evidence that was passed directly to the Humberside Police Rural Task Force, who in collaboration with the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit, further progressed the investigation to develop a compelling case.

This vital information ultimately led to the conviction of a man from East Yorkshire, who was sentenced for a catalogue of offences including cockfighting, animal mutilation, and the illegal trapping of wildlife.

The man pleaded guilty to five animal welfare charges involving a hare, a deer, and an Irish Pyle cock bird. Upon his appearance at Hull Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 23 December he was handed a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was  banned from keeping any animals for 15 years.

Wildlife Crime Campaign Manager Jim Clark described some of the evidence as "Truly horrific, highlighting a blatant lack of consideration for the welfare of animals caught in snares and subjected to prolonged suffering.

"This case is a stark reminder that animal abuse is not victimless - and that our determined investigators are crucial to stopping cruelty and bringing offenders to justice".

Sergeant Kevin Jones from our Rural Task Force said “Tackling wildlife crime, poaching, and cruelty to animals remains a national and collective priority. Our team continues to strengthen collaboration with partners in an effort to ensure all offenders are brought to justice.

“This case exemplifies best-practice partnership working at the highest standard, resulting in a sentence that will undoubtedly deter others from committing such barbaric acts against animals and protected wildlife. It reinforces our zero-tolerance approach to these crimes within Humberside.

“The partnership demonstrated in this case highlights the outstanding working relationship between Humberside Police, Naturewatch Foundation, and RSPCA (England & Wales)- each committed to taking decisive action against those who commit wildlife crime and animal welfare offences. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Naturewatch Foundation for their invaluable assistance and to the RSPCA for their collaborative investigation.”