A 37-year-old man faces charges after police find dead protected animals, including hares and birds, in disturbing scenes near Southampton, sparking community and conservationist outcry.
A 37-year-old man from Totton, near Southampton, has been charged following the harrowing discovery of approximately 50 dead hares, a barn owl, and a kestrel outside Broughton Community Shop in Hampshire. The grim find, which included protected species under wildlife laws, occurred near Southampton and has spurred public outrage and a thorough investigation by local authorities.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight police, in addition to charging the man with criminal damage, night poaching, and the killing of protected birds and hares, are also investigating a separate but possibly related incident. This involves the distressing discovery of 25 dead animals, including a decapitated deer, pheasants, and hares near a primary school in Awbridge, a village six miles from Broughton. These grim finds have underscored the importance of wildlife protection laws and have sparked a significant response from the local community and conservationists.
Authorities have revealed that the two birds – a barn owl and a kestrel – were shot with a firearm, a detail that has added a firearms-related offence to the man’s charges. The incidents have elicited strong reactions from the community and conservationists alike, with shop treasurer Mike Hensman describing the scene as “devastating” and conservationist Chris Packham condemning the acts as “horrific on so many levels.”
In light of these disturbing events, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Country Watch Sergeant Stuart Ross has expressed gratitude for the community’s support and has urged anyone with information to come forward. The cooperation of the local community is deemed crucial in aiding the ongoing investigations and understanding the circumstances surrounding these appalling acts.
