A PIGEON fancier who shot sparrow hawks in the Stotfold area has been given a police caution.
A three-and-a-half-month investigation was launched by Beds Police and the RSPB after a member of the public found a dead bird and suspected it had been shot.
Three hawks were found dead in total, and after examination it was confirmed the birds had been shot.
A man was arrested on Sunday in connection with the offences and an air weapon was seized.
The man, who is a pigeon fancier, admitted to the shootings and was given a formal police caution, which means he will now have a criminal record.
Police Inspector Tracey Day, Bedfordshire Police’s wildlife crime officer, said: “Wildlife crime in Bedfordshire is taken seriously and the force will continue to ensure that a positive approach is taken to all matters reported that involve crime against wildlife.”
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