Arrest made after aviaries 'broken into' in North Dorset
Falcons and their eggs were reportedly stolen
Three aviaries in North Dorset have reportedly been broken into - with the local Rural Crime Team saying they've since made an arrest.
They add falcons and their eggs were stolen in the incident, which happened some time between 10pm on April 13 and 7am on April 14.
Dorset Police say three aviaries were broken into at a rural property near Shaftesbury and two peregrine falcons and a peregrine lanner falcon hybrid were stolen or escaped following forced entry.
At least three peregrine eggs were reported as stolen from an artificial nest.
In a statement, they said that a 34-year-old man from Shaftesbury has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
He has been released on police bail as officers continue their investigation.
Police Constable Sebastian Haggett, of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said: “We are continuing to investigate this incident and we are appealing for anyone with information who has not already spoken to police to come forward.
“Evidence gathered at the scene of this incident suggests that these birds have suffered terribly, with one of them having their primary feathers removed causing injury, while another bird died after its head and legs were removed.
“Consequently, we are still trying to locate the remaining birds and their eggs to ensure they get the appropriate medical attention they need to prevent further suffering.
“Their owners are heartbroken by what has happened, so we are keen to find those believed to be responsible and hold them accountable for their actions.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at https://orlo.uk/R8XgH or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250052806. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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