Police seize 80 alligator heads destined for eBay
POLICE have seized 80 illegally imported alligator heads found at a Perry Barr home that were destined to be sold on eBay.
The ghoulish reptile heads are thought to have been imported illegally from abroad to be sold on the auction site.
West Midlands Police and officers from the National Wildlife Crime Unit swooped on the unknown address last Thursday, and a 44-yearold man has been voluntarily interviewed.
Officers entered the property in an operation conducted under the Control of Trade of Endangered Species Act and said the heads had been sold regularly “for some time”.
West Midlands Police said: “We’ve seized 80 alligator heads from a house in Perry Barr.
“Not your normal find for us when conducting a warrant, but it’s all in a day’s work for the National Wildlife Crime Unit.
“We received information that the heads were being imported from abroad illegally and sold on through eBay to buyers all around the world at a large profit to the seller.
“We carried out a joint investigation with the NWCU, culminating in today’s warrant.
“We believe that the suspect has been illegally importing the heads for some time, as numerous boxes have been arriving every few months.
“The warrant was conducted under the Control of Trade of Endangered
Species Act and a 44-year-old man has been voluntarily interviewed.”
eBay said it was investigating the case and would take “suitable action”.
A spokesperson said it had blocks in place “to prevent listings which are in breach of our animal and wildlife policy”.
“We are currently investigating this case and suitable action will be taken against the seller in question.”
CONSERVATIONISTS have voiced their concern for the future of a medieval hospital for lepers.
St Michael’s Leper Hospital, founded in 1135, has been described by historians as “one of Warwick’s most important historic buildings”.
But it has lain in ruin for many years and Warwick District Council is now trying to purchase the site to preserve it.
However, the current owner is refusing to sell it, says the local authority, which has sent a Compulsory Purchase Order to no avail.
Both the council and Historic England have the money and plans to regenerate the site.
It was bought privately more than 30 years ago and is situated in Saltisford.
It comprises The Master’s House, St Michael’s Chapel and an Ancient Monument.
The remains of two of the hospital buildings can still be seen.
Councillor John Cooke, Warwick District Council portfolio holder for development, said: “With the ownership of a listed building such as the leper hospital comes the responsibility of its custodianship.
“In this case the building, which is an important part of Warwick’s heritage, is now at risk. We therefore have no choice other than to proceed with the CPO process.
“Nonetheless, the District Council
remains committed to keeping an open dialogue with the owners to see whether, even at this late stage, mutually acceptable terms can be agreed.”
The hospital was founded by Roger de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Warwick, during the reign of Henry I.
In 1978, there were plans – never carried out – to move the buildings to within Warwick Castle’s boundaries.
In 2018 it was revealed £530,000 would be allocated to use the site for supported housing, while preserving the older buildings.