Man, 64, charged with wildlife crimes

A 64-year-old man has been charged with a number of wildlife crimes in Dumfries and Galloway.

The offences resulted in the deaths of more than 20 birds of prey and other wild birds near Castle Douglas in Springholm, between 2018 and 2020.

An investigation established the birds had been poisoned by banned pesticides.

Wildlife crime officer constable John Cowan said: “Residents in Springholm and the surrounding area as well as wildlife enthusiasts further afield will be only too well aware of a worrying rise in poisonings in and around the Springholm area over the last few years following on from previous appeals for information.

“Working alongside partners such as the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds),

SSPCA (Scottish Society for Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals), SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture), SAC (Scottish Agricultural College), SGRPID (Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division), Scottish National Heritage and Scottish Land and Estates, there has been an overwhelming collective determination to halt these incidents.

“I would like to thank members of the public for the information they have provided throughout the investigation.

“This sends out a strong message that Police Scotland and partners treat wildlife crime very seriously and should act as a strong deterrent to anyone engaging in such activities, irrespective of the underhand tactics that may be used.”