Animal Welfare and Wildlife Crime
Animal Welfare
The Police Service deals with cases of serious cruelty and suffering to animals under part III of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 1972.
Some examples of offences under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 1972 are:
- Acts of cruelty
- Offences in relation to the fighting, baiting or exhibition of animals
- Traps and snares
- Poisonous substances
- Injured animals
- Causing unnecessary suffering to any animal
Wildlife Crime
Wildlife in Northern Ireland is legislated for within the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. Some examples of crimes against wildlife include:
- Taking, damaging or destroying the nest of any wild bird while the nest is in use or being built.
- Persecution of birds of prey.
- Badger digging.
- Digging up, or in some cases picking, wild plants.
- The introduction of non-indigenous species.
Remember that some animals and birds can be legally shot or controlled. Do not interfere with legally set traps or snares or damage hides.
If you see anything suspicious, for example a protected bird that appears to have been poisoned or shot, you should inform the police as soon as possible. The police now have a Wildlife Liaison Officer with special responsibility for such matters. Very substantial fines can be imposed on anyone found guilty of these offences and, in certain circumstances, offenders may be sent to prison.
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