Gamekeepers, Shooters and Other Wildlife Killers

1 February 2008: BUZZARD KILLED BY ILLEGAL TRAP

A buzzard was killed after landing on a illegal pole trap in a field near Lincoln. The buzzard was found on Wednesday by a member of the public in the field at the side of the A57, between Lincoln and Saxilby.

One of the bird's legs had been sliced off and the other leg had "horrendous" injuries. It died shortly after was discovered.

Wildlife crime officer PC Nick Willey said the incident was pretty sickening. "We believe that whoever has done this is using pole traps. These are basic vermin traps that are attached to tall poles in the ground. The bird's natural perching instinct leads it to land directly on top of them. The trap snaps shut and often severs the legs. The vermin traps themselves are perfectly legal but when they are converted into pole traps in this way they become illegal." (Full Story)

16 November 2007: GAMEKEEPER ILLEGALLY CAGED BIRDS

A County Durham gamekeeper who kept wild birds has been ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service. In October 2006 RSPCA inspectors and police found two goldfinches kept in cages on land belonging to Daniel Robinson, 42, from Bishop Auckland. He admitted two charges of possessing wild birds contrary to the Wildlife and Countryside Act, at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Thursday. (Full Story)

31 October 2007: PRINCE HARRY QUIZZED BY POLICE ABOUT SHOOTING OF RARE BIRDS

Prince Harry and a close friend have been interviewed by police after two rare and legally protected birds of prey were killed on the royal family's Sandringham estate in Norfolk last week.

The prince is understood to have been out shooting on the estate last Wednesday evening, with a friend believed to be from the Van Cutsem family, when witnesses saw two hen harriers in flight being shot, an offence under wildlife protection legislation which carries a prison sentence of up to six months or a £5,000 fine.

Sources have told the Guardian that the prince and his friend were the only people known to be out shooting on the estate last Wednesday evening, and were quickly identified to Norfolk police by the Prince of Wales's staff. It is understood both men were interviewed in person, but have denied any involvement in the incident. (Full Story)

13 October 2007: DEER HUNTER: MIDDLETON UNDER FIRE FOR GOING SHOOTING WITH ROYALS

Brigitte Bardot believes it was "sad" Kate Middleton felt she had to take part in a royal deer hunt to win over her boyfriend Britain's Prince William.

The French actress accused Kate - who accompanied William and his father Prince Charles on a deer-stalking trip on the royal family's Scottish estate Balmoral, earlier this month - of taking part in the blood sport just to endear herself to the royal family. (Full Story)

4 October 2007: FINE FOR GAMEKEEPER WHO KEPT STOCK OF BANNED PESTICIDES

A GAMEKEEPER who kept a quantity of deadly, banned pesticides has been fined by a court.

Richard McMorn was arrested following a joint investiugation involving Northumbria Police, the RSPB and Natural England, amid fears that the toxins were being used to kill wildlife. (Full Story)

23 November 2006: ROYAL GAMEKEEPER FINED OVER TRAP

One of the Queen's gamekeepers has been fined £500 for setting a rat trap that snared a tawny owl by mistake. Dean Wright, who works on the Sandringham Estate, near King's Lynn, Norfolk, admitted committing the offence at Shernborne in December 2005. (Full Story)