Wiltshire Police appeal for info into possible wildlife offences
Three people have now been arrested
Last updated 10th Feb 2023
Three men have been arrested in Wiltshire, in relation to suspected wildlife offences.
It follows an appeal from Wiltshire Police to trace people pictured in stills from a video obtained by officers.
It's alleged that wildlife offences may have been committed at an unknown location in the county.
We're told a 29 year old man from Lacock, a 38 year old man from Bromham and a 35 year old man from Devizes have been arrested.
That's on suspicion of offences under Section 1 of the Hunting Act 2004 (hunting a wild animal with dogs); the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (causing unnecessary suffering); and the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (disturbing a sett).
All three of them remain in police custody.
Chief Inspector James Brain said:
“After being made aware of this disturbing footage, our officers have acted quickly to detain a number of people in relation to suspected wildlife offences. I would like to thank members of the public in responding to our appeal for information relating to this.
“We take such allegations extremely seriously and we continue to appeal for anyone with further information to contact us.”
If you can help with information, you're asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 5423001429.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.