Investigation results in two men being fined
A 54-year-old man has been fined more than £9,000 for killing a protected species and failing to comply with firearms license conditions.
At Dumfries Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 26 September, 2023, David Excell pleaded guilty to deliberately trapping and killing a pine marten at an estate in Stewartry. He also admitted failing to comply with the conditions of his firearms license and was issued with a combined fine of £9,700. His firearms license has been revoked.
Another man, Kenneth McClune, aged 61, also pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the conditions of his firearms license and was fined £840. His license has also been revoked.
Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer John Cowan said: “This illustrates our ongoing commitment to investigating and reporting the persecution of protected wildlife.
“We work alongside our partners, such as the SSPCA, RSPB, land-owners and managers, in tackling this type of crime to ensure our wonderful wildlife is safe and able to thrive in the Scottish countryside.
“The actions of a few individuals do not reflect the positive steps taken by most land owners and managers to maintain and encourage wildlife in our countryside.”
If you have any concerns about wildlife crime in your area or if you come across a protected dead bird or animal then please report this to us via 101. More information on wildlife crime can be found at: https://www.scotland.police.uk/wildlifecrime
