Appeal for information following wildlife crime at Loch Ken

Police in Dumfries and Galloway are appealing for information after an adult otter was found dead at Loch Ken.

The death was reported to police, after it was found by a member of the public on the banks of the Loch Ken near Parton, at around 2pm on Wednesday, 28 June, 2023

The animal was caught in a fyke net, which appears to have been illegally set to catch crayfish in the river.

PC John Cowan, Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer, said: “It is illegal to set a fyke net or attempt to catch crayfish without a license which can put other local wildlife at risk.

“Otters will enter these nets to take advantage of an easy meal and can become trapped and drown, which is sadly what happened in this instance.

“We are working closely with the Loch Ken Ranger Service to identify whoever is responsible, but are also asking for the public’s help to assist us in our enquiries.

“If you have any information on the net or anything else you think might be relevant, please contact police via 101, quoting incident 2743 of 28 June.”