Wildlife crime

Badgers

Despite being protected under The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, Badgers still suffer persecution from those using dogs to dig them from their setts. If you are aware or suspicious that an active sett has been disturbed, please report it. Signs to look for are recently moved earth, human/dog footprints, blood or fur around the sett or objects blocking the entrances to the sett.

Poaching /coursing

Hare coursing is one of the most common examples of illegal poaching, with dogs used to flush out hares. Signs to look out for if you suspect individuals of deer, hare or badger poaching, are a group of vehicles parked at night in a rural area (by a gateway to a farmland, on a grass verge, on a farm track), which may show evidence of dogs inside. Other indications are suspicious looking road kill or the discovery of bait, traps and snares.

It's not just game that are covered under this. Fishing without a license in private fisheries or rivers is also a poaching offence.

Hunting with dogs

As a result of the Hunting Act 2004, it is now illegal to hunt for a wild mammal with a dog, unless the hunting is exempt. The hunting of rats and rabbits is also illegal unless it is carried out by the landowner or with his written permission.

Some activities which may appear to be hunting, but are not in breach of the Act, include trail hunting, hound exercising and flushing to guns.

Bats

All bats, their breeding sites and resting places are protected by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Other species covered by the same legislation include Otter, Hazel Dormouse and Great Crested Newt; often known collectively as 'European Protected Species'.

You must contact Natural Resources Wales for a licence if you need to disturb a bat roost. More information on bats and their protection can be found on the Bat Conservation Trust website.

Animal cruelty

All British wild mammals are protected from deliberate acts of cruelty under The Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996. Police will often liaise with the RSPCA and RSPB to aid prosecution of animal and bird offences.

Lethal control is only permitted under a general license and it is advisable to check with DEFRA for advice on dealing with 'pest' species.

Nesting birds

All British birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, however some 'pest species' can be controlled under certain conditions by authorised people, such as crows or pigeons.

It is illegal to disturb birds during nesting season or to take wild eggs from a nest, for sale or as part of private collections.

Raptor persecution

Birds of prey can be targeted due to the perception that they are pests, interfering with crops, farm animals and the breeding of game. They're often targeted and killed illegally with traps, poison or by shooting.

It is an offence for any person to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild birds, however not all traps are illegal so it can be difficult to tell if you find one. Interference with legally set traps or snares is an offence, so do not touch them.

Hedgerows

The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 make provision for the protection of important hedgerows. Landowners/managers must request permission from their local authority before removing a hedgerow. If you suspect a hedgerow is being removed illegally in Powys, it should be reported to Powys County Council.