Raptor persecution remains a serious and persistent wildlife crime in the UK despite than 70 years of supposed legal protection. The Yorkshire Dales is one of the worst affected places. Friends of the Dales is asking people to sign their petition to try and get the government to do more. Sign here https://friendsofthedales.org.uk/campaigns/eyes-on-the-skies-petition

#yorkshiredales #raptorpersecution #wildlifecrime

WTFH?

Idaho Fish and Game commissioner facing seven criminal #hunting charges

Commissioner Brody Harshbarger has been cited for #poaching a bull elk, #trespassing, #shooting from a motorized vehicle & more

#WildlifeCrime #WarOnWildlife #ecocide https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/03/27/idaho-fish-and-game-commissioner-facing-seven-criminal-hunting-charges/

Koala dies after allegedly being dragged behind vehicle down a street

"A rope was tied around the animal's neck and the other end was looped around a vehicle's tow ball, before the animal was dragged along the road."

"There was blood and fur along the road where it got dragged. It was gurgling blood and had deep abrasions over a lot of its body."

"Volunteer vets were forced to euthanise the animal after it suffered injuries, including deep abrasions and a fractured jaw."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-26/koala-killed-after-being-dragged-behind-vehicle/106497782

More on motorists dragged living beings behind their cars >
https://www.abc.net.au/news/search?query=dragged%20behind%20a%20car
#koalas #cars #motorists #cruelty #WildlifeCrime #Australia #Koroit #values #biodiversity

The Wild Can Be A 'Death Trap' For Some Rescued Wildlife Species

"A new study highlights how small poorly known mammals could be a newly-released rescued animal’s worst enemy."

#SciComm by @GrrlScientist

#conservation #WildlifeCrime #IllegalPetTrade #EndangeredSpecies https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2026/03/18/the-wild-can-be-a-death-trap-for-some-rescued-wildlife-species/

The Wild Can Be A 'Death Trap' For Some Rescued Wildlife Species

"A new study highlights how small poorly known mammals could be a newly-released rescued animal’s worst enemy."

#SciComm by @GrrlScientist

#conservation #WildlifeCrime #IllegalPetTrade #EndangeredSpecies https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2026/03/18/the-wild-can-be-a-death-trap-for-some-rescued-wildlife-species/

The Wild Can Be A 'Death Trap' For Some Rescued Wildlife Species

"A new study highlights how small poorly known mammals could be a newly-released rescued animal’s worst enemy."

#SciComm by @grrlscientist

#conservation #WildlifeCrime #IllegalPetTrade #EndangeredSpecies https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2026/03/18/the-wild-can-be-a-death-trap-for-some-rescued-wildlife-species/

DYFED-POWYS: Police boost patrols to crackdown on rural crime

The force, covering the largest rural police area in England and Wales, aims to increase officer visibility and engagement, seeking to disrupt criminal activity.

This new approach will see rural crime officers boosting patrols and building stronger relationships with local communities, according to the police.

They will also be offering more crime prevention visits and engaging with residents at local events, building on previous rural crime team patrols designed to protect vulnerable areas.

Inspector Matthew Howells of Dyfed-Powys Police highlighted the issue of under-reported rural crime.

“Rural crime can often go unreported. We want to have a stronger presence, and expand both Farm and Rural Watch, to increase reporting,” Inspector Howells stated.

He added that this increased reporting would provide crucial data to shape patrols and disrupt criminal activity.

Officers will also be promoting property marking and security measures to help residents protect their assets and avoid becoming a victim of vehicle theft.

“We want to reduce repeat victimisation and disrupt criminal activity,” Inspector Howells confirmed.

In 2025, Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 49 reports of livestock theft, a significant concern for farmers.

There were also 42 reports of quad bike theft, a common target for rural criminals.

Heritage crimes, which harm historic sites through activities like illegal metal detecting or off-roading, accounted for 60 reports.

However, the most frequently reported crime was livestock worrying, with 60 incidents recorded throughout 2025.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles recently met with members of the farming community to discuss the new strategy.

He was joined by Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn and the rural crime team at a farm belonging to Anwen Hughes, regional vice-president of the Farmers’ Union of Wales.

The meeting also addressed updates to livestock worrying laws, a topic of great importance to the farming community.

Anwen Hughes shared her recent experience of losing three lambs due to a livestock attack, underscoring the devastating impact of such incidents.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles emphasised the profound effect these crimes have on rural communities.

“The impact these crimes have on rural communities can’t be underestimated. People’s livelihoods and homes are intertwined,” Chief Constable Charles said.

He stressed that the new strategy prioritises the needs of rural residents.

“The new strategy puts people in the rural communities at its heart,” he added.

Protecting vast rural areas presents unique challenges compared to urban environments, the Chief Constable noted.

“Our rural crime teams will work with people to understand the challenges and keep them safe,” Chief Constable Charles concluded.

Residents are being urged to report rural, wildlife, and heritage crime by calling 101 or using the online reporting tool on the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

Despite more than 70 years of full legal protection, #RaptorPersecution remains a serious and persistent #WildlifeCrime

Please support the call for urgent legal reforms to stop this persecution and add your name to the Petition now:

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/help-us-stop-the-criminal-killing-of-birds-of-prey?source=direct_link& #wildlife #nature #environment