Report to Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury Parish Councils
(D,H & W Ward – Environmental Crime update – E Larcombe – 14 April 2023)
The following accounts originated from recent newspaper reports
Swans
A 13 year-old boy killed four swans in a catapult attack. The attack occurred in August 2022 when two teenage thugs broke into Swan Support sanctuary in Datchet where they ‘tortured’ the animals for 20 minutes.
In a hearing at Maidenhead Youth Court (23/3/2023), one of the offenders, a 13-year-old boy was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals. Only one boy has been identified and convicted.
For further details please see – https://www.windsorobserver.co.uk/news/23423895.swan-support-hit-back-punishment-teenage-swan-murderer/
Poaching
Following an investigation, seven men have been charged with entering land as a trespasser with poaching equipment and received their sentences at Oxford Magistrates Court. All seven pleaded guilty. Fines and costs totalled nearly £3,000.
For further details please see – https://www.windsorobserver.co.uk/news/23391652.slough-men-trespassed-oxford-field-poach-animals/
Hare Coursing
Three men have been charged in connection with hare coursing after being accused of allowing dogs to chase the animals in a field. The men were released on conditional bail having appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on 21 March 2023. The next hearing date has been set for Tuesday 9 May 2023.
For further details please see – https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23321890.oxfordshire-men-named-suspicion-hare-coursing-near-wantage/
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