Arrest after guns and dead frozen animals seized

A man has been arrested after firearms, drugs and dead frozen animals were found at a house in Rotherham.

South Yorkshire Police said frozen foxes, hares, rabbits and a deer were seized along with 22 off-road bikes suspected to be stolen and a Toyota Hilux worth more than £30,000.

Injured dogs, believed to be used for hunting, were also found at the property on Lockwood Road in the East Herringthorpe area and seized for their welfare, the force said.

The man, aged 40, was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Animal Welfare Act as well as possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.

Police said the arrest was part of a crackdown on rural and wildlife crime and involved the RSPCA.

Other items found during the operation on Monday included a firearm, air rifles, crossbows and catapults.

Ch Insp Peter Spratt said: "Those who use animals for hunting are frequently linked to wider criminality, and there is often criminal damage and anti-social behaviour associated to their actions.

"Seizing equipment, animals, weapons and recovering drugs causes a significant disruption to criminality."

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