From West Mercia Police:
Police have received a report of the trapping of wild birds in Yarkhill. A local resident discovered a number of pieces of green garden cane smeared with “bird-lime” or a similar adhesive substance in which 4 birds have become trapped in. Thankfully the birds have been treated and released to a wildlife rescue centre for rehabilitation.
We are aware of a similar incident in Yarkhill around a month ago and previous reports of similar incidents in the Weobley and Bodenham areas over the last 12-18 months.
The trapping of birds, by any method, including bird lime and similar sticky traps, is illegal. The offences of intentionally taking wild birds and possessing traps are all contrary to the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. A sticky trap causes huge amounts of distress and suffering to animals. A handmade stick covered in bird lime is an indiscriminate way to ensnare birds that often causes a slow and agonising death.
We are appealing for any information in order to identify those responsible and are also asking for anyone with any information about the sale of wild birds to also get in touch.
You can contact us via a direct reply to this message, reporting online via www.westmercia.police.uk or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Please quote incident 191 i 20112021 when contacting us.
Regards
PC Josh Kitchen
