PAW Objectives
Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime NI (PAW NI) brings together statutory, non-statutory agencies & interested parties with the common goal of combating wildlife crime through publicity, education and campaigning.
PAW NI takes a lead in considering strategic issues concerned with combating wildlife;
Members link with the PSNI Wildlife Liaison Officer and other key enforcement agencies;
A forum to facilitate the exchange of information, expertise on wildlife enforcement between all the members involved;
Working to increase public awareness of key issues associated with combating wildlife crime;
Raising the profile of wildlife crime within the judiciary & statutory agencies;
Promoting and encourage the use of and research into forensic technologies.
PAW NI is a member of PAW UK
Wildlife Crime News
Dungannon man sentenced after smuggling hundreds of endangered eels - BBC News
A 33-year-old man has been sentenced after illegally carrying a large quantity of European eels into Holyhead from Ireland. Kevin Forbes, of Rossa Court, Dungannon in Northern Ireland, had 37 boxes of the endangered species hidden in a pallet locker beneath the trailer of an HGV he had driven from Dublin. They were discovered by Border Force officers at Holyhead Port in the early hours of January 3rd, 2024, who were carrying out standard checks on paperwork on goods being carried in. Forbes had no documentation for the eels – a restricted and prohibited item for importation and exportation without relevant paperwork – that were also being carried in insufficient packaging with a lack of water. He claimed to have collected the eels from outside the port in Dublin after the driver originally carrying them into the UK had broken down. A joint investigation between the North Wales Police Rural Crime Team, National Wildlife Crime Unit and CEFAS (Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) was subsequently launched. As a result, Forbes was charged in November last year with offences under the Customs and Excise Act and the Animal Welfare Act. Appearing before Mold Crown Court today (Tuesday, January 28th), he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, for causing the unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
He must also carry out 150 hours unpaid work and a £1,500 fine.
The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is listed as a critically endangered species on the IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) red list, as it is at extremely high risk of extinction.
Eels play a key role in freshwater ecosystems as a high-order predator, helping regulate other species populations and maintaining freshwater biodiversity. They are also a critical food source for many birds, mammals and large fish.
Head of Enforcement for the Fish Health Inspectorate, Jon Hulland said: “This operation was an excellent demonstration of how joint agency working and cooperation can ensure the criminal fraternity involved in the illegal trade in this critically endangered species are sent a very clear message - we will take swift action against them to ensure the European eels continued survival.”
Head of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly, added: “This gives us yet another snapshot of the illegal wildlife trade thriving in the UK.
“Again, we see criminals exploit our animals and the systems in place to protect them for financial gain, all whist believing this is low risk and high reward.
“I would like to thank North Wales Police for their hard work and dedication in bringing this case to justice, alongside Garda and PSNI colleagues.”
"National Disgrace" - Raptor crime making the news once again as the RSPB release their annual report on raptor crime.
Bird Crime Report 2023 is available here.
The report release has received widespread media coverage - 'No prosecutions after 89 birds of prey killed in NI'- BBC News.
The worrying trend continues of crimes against our apex predators. The primary drivers in Northern Ireland may be slightly different then those in GB however the results are same.
PAW NI Bird of Prey Subgroup produced our own report available on this website, this provided the NI data for the RSPB report.
These recorded crimes are certainly only the tip of the iceberg, as they figures are based on reported incidents which have been confirmed through forensic testing. There are many additional carcasses found which are not able to be tested due to being too degraded. Also it relies on people coming across the carcasses and reporting these to the police. PAW NI's leaflet on Bird of Prey crimes provides more information on what is a crime and how to report it.
The PAW NI Raptor Subgroup tells a tale about a poisoned buzzard in County Fermanagh - make sure to click the sound on to hear the story.
21 June 2024 -PSNI Statement
Man given 13 and half months prison sentence for organised animal fights.
A 35-year-old man has been sentenced at Newry Crown Court today for involvement in badger baiting and animal welfare offences in relation to cats.
Jason Lee Kennedy from the Bellanaleck area of Fermanagh, was sentenced for offences including causing unnecessary suffering to animals and causing an animal fight.
Commenting on today’s outcome, the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Rural and Wildlife Crime lead, Superintendent McDowell said: “On 22nd April 2022, it was reported to police that there were dogs in a distressed state at a property in the Ross Road area of Bellanaleck.
“Local officers from Erne West Neighbourhood policing team responded to the report, they firstly observed two dogs inside kennels with substantial wounds to their muzzles and face. As part of the investigation a third dog was located nearby with fresh wounds to its face and it was believed at that stage that the dogs had been involved in fighting.
“All three dogs were seized by officers and Mr Kennedy was arrested for causing unnecessary suffering to animals and fighting offences. The dogs were consequently taken into care before being rehomed. Phones were seized and during forensic analyses videos identified included cruelty to cats.
“Mr Kennedy pleaded guilty to the offences in April and has subsequently been sentenced to a 13 and a half month prison sentence and 13 and half months on licence along with a ten year ban from keeping animals.
“We very much welcome the court’s decision today to convict Mr Kennedy for the brutality inflicted on these animals, and I commend the work carried out by our wildlife department and Local officers from Erne West Neighbourhood policing team and legal services department, to bring this individual to justice for fighting offences.
“This case not only demonstrates the commitment we, as a police service have in tackling wildlife crime, but also the fighting offences committed, which police take very seriously, and we have a responsibility to protect animals from any unnecessary suffering, whilst investigating all reports of organised criminality and abuse.
“If you or anyone you know is concerned about dogs or animals of any kind involved in fighting offences and being harmed, we would ask that you contact police on the non-emergency number 101, or submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ . You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
PSNI Press release May 2024 - Raptor Persecution
Police are investigating and issuing an appeal for information
after a Red Kite birdwas found injured in the vicinity of Cullion Road in Newry, on Saturday, 20th April.
The bird was later taken to a local veterinary clinic for treatment at the time, but, we are sad to report, due to its injuries being consistent with being shot, it had to be put to sleep. Following an X-ray on the 22nd April, and later confirmation from Agri-Food and Biosciences (AFBI), it became evident in the X-Ray that the bird had been shot, as pellets were embedded in its wing and neck, including a fracture to its humerus.
A police spokesperson said: “The Red Kite is a large, protected bird of prey, re-introduced to Northern Ireland in 2008 and is a truly beautiful raptor with distinctive markings, recognised by its fork tail.
“This Red Kite, also nicknamed ‘Vivienne’ due to its identifying wing-tags brown-pink 6V, was well-known in the area and throughout the Mournes since it was born here back in 2018.
“At this time, we are asking for information from the public due to offences falling under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (NI) 2011.
“Police take all wildlife crime very seriously and are appealing to anyone who has information about what may have happened to this protected bird to call us on 101, quoting reference number 1229 22/04/24.
“If you are aware of anyone in the area intent on harming birds of prey please contact police.”
You can also make a report via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org .
July 2023 - Police investigate poisoning of two white-tailed eagles
Police are appealing for information from the public, after the confirmed poisoning of two white-tailed eagles.
Police investigating the circumstances following the discovery of two dead white-tailed eagles, in the Glenhead Road area of Ballymena on Monday, 15th May, can confirm the birds were subsequently poisoned. Following a post-mortem examination, both birds tested positive for the insecticide bendiocarb.
How the birds came into contact with the insecticide remains part of an ongoing investigation, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to working with partners and members of the public to determine how the birds consumed the toxic insecticide.
Rural and Wildlife Crime Superintendent Johnston McDowell said: “Sadly, police can confirm the two majestic birds found on land in the Glenhead Road area were poisoned, following a post-mortem examination. "The test results suggest that an individual not only has access to the insecticide bendiocarb but has placed this into the outside environment illegally, so that wild birds have been able to consume it. “Bendiocarb is present in the trade product Ficam D, a powder which is only permitted for indoor use to control crawling insects such as wasps and ants, so using this active ingredient in fields would be a breach of Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).
“The illegal killing of these beautiful birds in a popular rural area is disgraceful, and for any individual to think that they can ignore the law and lay poisonous bait which has led to the killing of these birds, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. “Officers with support from the National Wildlife Crime Unit, have been on the ground conducting house-to-house enquiries, engaging with local residents and landowners, in the areas of where the birds were gravitating towards, before they were found deceased.
“The Police Service of Northern Ireland will continue to work with our partners to tackle this criminal activity, investigate any reports made to us and prosecute offenders. In this case we have liaised with our partners in the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAWNI) Agri-Food and Biosciences, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, NI Raptor Study Group, Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and received additional support from the National Wildlife Crime Unit. Police have a strong multi-agency support group which we are very grateful for, but we need the help of the public too.
“There must be people in the community who are aware of individuals committing these offences, and who can come forward and assist police with any information they have.
“If you notice any suspicious activity in rural areas, notice a dead or injured bird of prey, please call police on 101, or alternatively you can make a report via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
Warmer weather brings people to the beach - marine disturbance is a problem take a look at this video by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC).
PAW NI note high levels of nest disturbance by wildlife photographers in Northern Ireland during lockdown. Whether its people with more time on their hands to take and upload photos or a very pleasant warm Spring we have seen loads of lovely wildlife images online. However an alarming number of these have been taken very close to nest structures potentially causing disturbance. We would remind you that all nesting birds are protected under the terms of the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. Planned or prolonged visits to nest sites must have an appropriate wildlife licence from the NIEA. Nest locations should not be shared or published online. Time spent at nest sites should be a minimum even under licence. PAW will be addressing this problem in time for next season in the meantime NIEA guidance can be found here.
The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019 -In line with Defra, and the other devolved administrations, the Department has introduced new domestic legislation to fulfil its obligations under the EU Regulation. The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019(external link opens in a new window / tab) makes provision for criminal offences relating to breaches of requirements of the EU Regulation. The Order comes into operation on 1st December 2019.
‘Undisturbed’- NWCU launches campaign to educate wildlife photographers and drone pilots
The affordability of modern digital camera technology has produced an ever-growing interest in capturing photographs of wildlife. A number of leading UK wildlife photographers and charitable organisations have now expressed concern at the amount of wildlife disturbance being caused by prospective photographers seeking natural history subjects. Unlicensed disturbance of mammals and birds may result in a conviction under wildlife or marine legislation attracting sentences up to £5,000 fine or 6 month’s imprisonment. Tweeting under the handle @ukwildlifecrime the NWCU have a summer of messages to help spread the word. PAW NI have recently linked this website to the NIEA's guidance for photographers here.
PAW STEERING GROUP MINUTES
Useful links
Animal Welfare -
The Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 is enforced by three bodies, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Councils and the PSNI.
DAERA is responsible for farmed animals (any animal bred or kept for the production of food, wool or skin or for other farming purposes). The Department also licenses riding establishments, boarding kennels, pet shops and zoos. Tel: 0300 200 7840
Councils are responsible for enforcement in respect of non-farmed animals i.e. domestic pets and equines (e.g. horses and donkeys etc). For all domestic (pet) animal welfare enquires please contact your local council - numbers and email addresses are linked here.
The PSNI are responsible for wildlife crime, animal fighting and incidents involving wild animals such as badger baiting, poisoning of birds and trapping wildlife illegally. Tel: 101 or see above.
Bats - For information and advice on how to deal with problem bats in the home contact CEDaR Tel: 02890395264 or visit the NI Bat Groups website here.
For information about bats and your legal obligations; bats and development or bat roosts protection during household maintenance contact the NIEA for advice 02890569551 or email elmswildlife@daera-ni.gov.uk
Invasive species - one of the greatest threats to our native species and biodiversity - its a criminal offence to cause to spread any non-native plant or animal into the wild in Northern Ireland. Many non-native species are well established across NI and causing harm to our environment - further information and management advice to help landowners manage the problems can be found on the Invasive Species Ireland website here
