Hunting with dogs - Hunting Act 2004

Bird of prey starved To death after being trapped

A rare bird starved to death after it was caught in a trap set for pests. Police believe the goshawk died because someone closed the gate on the trap, which is usually used by gamekeepers to snare crows, rooks and magpies, which harm wildlife such as grouse.

PC Andy Marsden, wildlife crime officer for Rydale, in North Yorkshire, said the traps were humane and legal, as long as food and water were provided and birds caught in them were released elsewhere.

“The gamekeepers say they left the doors pinned back, in line with the rules, but a member of the public must have closed the door on the trap,” said PC Marsden.

“No charges are to be brought following a joint investigation by North Yorkshire Police and the RSPCA.”

Source: Northumberland Echo