Four men charged with wildlife crime offences in Stewartry

Police Scotland can confirm that four men have been charged in connection with a number of wildlife crime offences in the Stewartry area of Dumfries & Galloway.

Extensive investigations have been ongoing throughout 2021 following reports of ongoing persecution against protected birds of prey and wildlife in the area of Parton near Castle Douglas which culminated with the arrest of the men, aged 59, 52, 46 and 31.

A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Wildlife Crime Officer Constable John Cowan said: "All allegations of wildlife crime are taken very seriously and matters such as this will be investigated vigorously in Dumfries & Galloway.

“We have excellent relationships with members of the public in our rural communities and they are only too keen to let us know when the magnificent wildlife in the area is coming to harm.

“We will continue to robustly investigate wildlife crime alongside our many partners in the hope that we can completely eradicate such practices.”