Wildlife, Wild Animals and Plants
Within our force we have Wildlife Crime Officers who investigate a wide range of complex wildlife offences and provide advice and support to police officers.
What is wildlife crime?
Wildlife crime is any action against the law regarding the protection of the UK’s wild animals and plants. Examples of wildlife crime include:
- Hare coursing / hunting
- Fox hunting
- Deer poaching
- Fish poaching
- Badger persecution – including baiting, snaring, shooting, and disturbance of setts
- Bat persecution
- Egg theft / collection
- Bird of Prey persecution – through poisoning, trapping, shooting, disturbance of nest and/or theft of chicks
- Trade in ivory, tortoises, rhino horn and other protected species covered by CITES
- Non registration of certain birds and animals that require licensing through DEFRA/Animal Health if kept in captivity or sold
How do I report wildlife crime?
If you are concerned about wildlife crime in your area or have any information that may be helpful to our Wildlife Crime Officers, contact us by calling 101 or visiting a police station.