Stuffed bird of prey seized over licence issues

Officers are warning people buying or selling stuffed animals to comply with licensing requirements after a taxidermied bird of prey was seized after being advertised online.

The Eurasian goshawk, which had been mounted in a glass display case and posed as if attacking a thrush, was spotted for sale on a social media site by an officer from Norfolk Police's Rural Crime Team.

A 65-year-old man from south Essex, who did not realise he needed specific licences to sell or trade the goshawk, was issued with a community resolution after it was seized by Essex Police.

The birds will be kept by Essex's Rural Engagement Team to educate the public about wildlife conservation and crime prevention.

Investigating officer Det Con Dane Wyatt said: "Wild birds are an important part of our natural heritage and the licensing system plays a vital role in protecting them.

"I would urge anyone considering buying or selling taxidermied birds and animals to make sure they understand and comply with the relevant licensing requirements."

He said licensing helped to prevent wildlife crime and ensured there was a lawful record of where specimens had come from.

Essex Police said selling a taxidermied goshawk in the UK required a specific commercial use licence known as an Article 10 certificate from the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

The seller was issued with the community resolution which requires him to research the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with an emphasis on its conditions for the sale of taxidermied wildlife.

Wyatt said that while the man did not know what licences were needed, he wanted to make sure he was properly informed.

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