Decapitated swan leads to police crackdown on wildlife crime

Attenborough Nature Reserve, nature

Police have launched a crackdown on wildlife crime after swans were found decapitated near Attenborough Nature Reserve.

Working with the RSPCA, officers are calling for greater public awareness of crimes against wildlife after a series of incidents were reported.

The RSPCA said cases involving swans having their heads cut off and placed into plastic bags next to their bodies had been increasing.

They believe the attacks were carried out to by people wanting to use the animals for food.

Other incidents, including badger culling and the unlawful killing of deer for venison, have been on the rise.

Simon Parker, Chief Inspector at the RSPCA said: “Poaching of deer is a tradition, but it is completely unlawful. Now we are seeing organised gangs selling unlawful venison. They are trying to kill as many deer as they can, which is passed on to unscrupulous people and sold on illegally.”

Attenborough Nature Reserve said that it had found carp fish being caught in nets that were then dumped in a lake; and eggs from birds nests being taken by the public.

Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping said: “An important point to remember is how valuable the public can be in helping us to protect our countryside and apprehend offenders by passing on intelligence to our teams. Anybody can help us to police wildlife crime simply by remaining vigilant.”

If you see any animals being harmed, the RSPCA and Attenborough Nature Reserve urge you to contact Police Wildlife Liaison Officers on 101.

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