Police make arrests in connection with suspected wildlife offences

Wiltshire Police have arrested three men today in relation to suspected wildlife offences.

A 29-year-old man from Lacock and a 38-year old man from Bromham were arrested early this morning (10/02) on suspicion of offences under Section 1 of the Hunting Act 2004 (hunting a wild animal with dogs), the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (causing unnecessary suffering) and The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (disturbing a sett).

A third suspect, a 35-year-old man from Devizes, was arrested at noon today on suspicion of the same offences.All three are currently in police custody.

The arrests follow the release of video footage, obtained by Wiltshire Police, in which a number of people appear to be committing wildlife offences.

Chief Inspector James Brain said: “After being made aware of this disturbing footage, our officers have acted quickly to detain a number of people in relation to suspected wildlife offences. I would like to thank members of the public in responding to our appeal for information relating to this.

“We take such allegations extremely seriously and we continue to appeal for anyone with further information to contact us.

”Anyone with information relating to this alleged incident is asked to call us on 101 quoting log 54230014294“

Alternatively you can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.