Wildlife and Environment

Much of the Dyfed Powys Police area is very beautiful, peaceful and idyllic and it covers some very rich and diverse wildlife habitats. However, the area is subject to many pressures not least of which are crimes against wildlife. The responsibility for the enforcement of the laws protecting our wildlife rests with the police service.

What We Do

We have trained wildlife liaison officers throughout our force area and their role is to investigate and assist in the investigation of wildlife and environmental crime. Although enforcement is a major part of the work undertaken, it also involves education through talks to farmers and landowners and public consultation on matters relating to the law. This is a vitally important aspect of work which often leads to potential problems and conflicts being resolved at an early stage.

What You Can Do to Help Us

As with any type of crime we rely on the assistance of the public and agencies to enable us to detect offences and prosecute offenders. You can help us by being our eyes and ears. Report things that make you suspicious. Wildlife criminals are often involved in other types of crime. Your call may lead police to uncover all sorts of illegal activity.

If you see someone committing wildlife offences, do not put yourself at risk; contact the police. Do not touch poisoned baits as they can be lethal; mark the spot and leave it to the police to investigate.

If you come across any incident which you believe involves the persecution of wildlife or the habitat in which they live please contact your local police station or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You do not have to give your name and your call could earn you a cash reward.

Types of Wildlife Crime

Wildlife crime takes many forms, some of which involve extreme cruelty. Dyfed Powys Police Wildlife Liaison Officers are actively involved in combating illegal activities, including:

Game poaching
Poisoning trapping and shooting of wildlife
Egg collecting
Trapping of live birds
Trade in endangered species
Badger persecution
Wild plant theft
Habitat destruction and damage

Wildlife crime can be loosely categorised into three main types:

1. The illegal trade in endangered species

The international trade in rare animals and their by-products is a major threat to many species. Many items are sold to tourists as holiday souvenirs and it is sometimes difficult to tell which wildlife products are illegal to bring home. If in doubt, do not buy! You risk having your goods seized by HM Customs and Excise and could face imprisonment and a heavy fine.

2. Crimes involving native species which are endangered or of conservation concern

All plants growing in the wild, which are normally found in this country, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, against being uprooted without permission. Some wild plants are also protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994 because they are important in a European context. A guilty verdict for habitat offences can lead to a fine of up to £5,000 or six months in prison.

All British birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Anyone found guilty of an offence may be fined up to £1,000. Some rarer species are specially protected and in these cases offenders may be fined up to £5,000.

3. Cruelty to and the persecution of wildlife species

Some legislation protects particular species, e.g. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Deer Act 1991. The Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 protects wild mammals by making it an offence to cause them unnecessary suffering by certain acts. Crimes include badger baiting and other cruelty cases, illegal snaring, poaching, poisoning and hunting. All badgers and their setts are protected in law. Anyone who takes, kills or injures a badger, or who interferes with a badger sett, can be sent to prison for six months or fined up to £5,000.

Working in Partnership

In order to achieve our aim we work closely with other agencies who have an interest in the protection of the environment and we are a member of PAW Cymru (Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime).

The aim of the PAW Cymru partnership is to create opportunities to work together to combat wildlife crime within Wales. This partnership is actively involved in promoting issues relating to wildlife crime and includes the Welsh Assembly Government, Countryside Council for Wales, DEFRA (the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), the RSPCA, the RSPB, the Environment Agency, HM Customs and Excise, to name but a few.