Wildlife crime

Badger Meles meles
Profile of a young adult badger in evening light
Derbyshire, UK - Andrew Parkinson/2020VISION

Wildlife Crime

What is a wildlife crime?

Wildlife crime can take many forms and it can be difficult to know what constitutes a crime. They can range from organised crimes (such as the trade of endangered species) to people shooting a birds with air guns. We have listed examples below of wildlife crime and if you believe you may have witnessed any of these, please share this information to assist in bringing offenders to justice.

If you witness a wildlife crime taking place call 999.

For a non-emergency call 101

To give information regarding a crime anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

See advice from Nottinghamshire Police on reporting a wildlife crime

For more information on wildlife law explore these links for more on UK LegislationEuropean Legislation, and International Conventions.

Badger in woodland

Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

Badger persecution

Despite being protected under The Protection of Badgers Act (1992), badgers still suffer persecution from those using dogs to dig them from their setts. If you are aware or suspicious that an active sett has been disturbed, please report it. Signs to look for are recently moved earth, human/dog footprints, blood or fur around the sett or objects blocking the entrances to the sett. 

Daubenton's Bat, flying over water

Dale Sutton/2020VISION

Bat persecution

For all bats, their breeding sites and resting places are specially protected by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If bats are roosting in roof spaces it is unlawful to disturb or move them. Natural England can provide advice on bat mitigation licenses if you need to disturb a bat roost.

Red kite soaring in front of a sunset sky

John Hawkins, Surrey Hills Photography

Illegal trade in CITES species

The illegal wildlife trade immediately brings to mind exotic species and it's true that the most commonly traded items are elephant ivory, rhino horn, tiger parts and live animals such as primates and reptiles. However, in other countries, UK wildlife can be in demand such as wild-taken birds that can be sold overseas. 

If you see a CITES protected plant or animal species, live or in parts, for sale either online or n person, please do report it. 

Brown hare in a meadow of oxeye daisies

David Tipling/2020VISION

Poaching & coursing

Hare coursing is one of the most common examples of illegal poaching, with dogs used to flush out hares. Signs to look out for if you suspect individuals of deer, hare or badger poaching, are a group of vehicles parked at night in a rural area (by a gateway to farmland, on a grass verge, on a farm track) which may show evidence of dogs inside. Other indications are suspicious looking road kill or the discovery of bait, traps and snares. 

It's not just game that are covered under this. fishing without a license in private fisheries or rivers is also a poaching offence.

Peregrine falcon flying over pavement, the Wildlife Trusts

© Bertie Gregory/2020VISION

Raptor persecution

Birds of prey can be targeted due to the perception that they are pests, interfering with crops, farm animals and the breeding of game. They're often targeted and killed illegally with traps, poison or by shooting. 

It is an offence for any person to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild birds, however not all traps are illegal so it can be difficult to tell if you find one. Interference with legally set traps or snares is an offence so do not touch them.

Collared dove brooding it's nest in the gutter of a building

Amy Lewis

Theft or disturbance of wild birds, their eggs and/or nests

All British birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, however some 'pest species' can be controlled under certain conditions by authorised people, such as crows or pigeons. 

It is illegal to disturb birds during nesting season or to take wild eggs from a nest, for sale or as part of private collections.

water vole wildlife trust

Terry Whittaker/2020VISION

Theft or disturbance of wild animals, plants or habitats

It is an offence to kill or injure any wild animal listed in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is also an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage or obstruct any place used or their shelter or protection. Some of the species protected under this are bats, water voles, newts and toads.

The Act also makes it an offence to intentionally uproot any wild plant without the permission of the land owner and sell on the plants.

Otter swimming in a river with only its head showing above the surface

River otter (lutra lutra) views photographer from the river, Hertfordshire, UK - Luke Massey/2020VISION

Animal cruelty

All British wild mammals are protected from deliberate acts of cruelty under The Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996. Police will often liaise with the RSPCA and RSPB to aid prosecution of animal and bird offences. 

Lethal control is only permitted under a general license and it is advisable to check with DEFRA for advice on dealing with 'pest species'. If you suspect illegal use of pest control measures then please report to the police, or anonymously with Crimestoppers.

Japanese knotweed. An invasive plant with green leaves and red coloured stem.

Philip Precey

Invasive species

It is illegal to dump unwanted invasive non-native species, plants and animals, into the environment under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Some invasive species can be very damaging to native species, habitats and to our health as well. 

Red fox cub surrounded by long grass and white flowers

Elliott Neep

Hunting with dogs

As a result of the Hunting Act 2004, it is now illegal to hunt for a wild mammal with a dog, unless the hunting is exempt. The hunting of rats and rabbits is also illegal unless it is carried our by the landowner or with their written permission. 

Some activities may appear to be hunting, but are not in breach of the Act, including trail hunting, hound exercising and flushing to guns.