Goldfinch trapping in Kent

Traps set to catch wild birds

August 2013. According to Kent Wildife Trust someone has been setting traps to catch goldfinches in Kent. It is an offence to trap wild birds without a licence, and if caught the perpetrator can be fined up to £1000.

An RSPCA Inspector found a caged goldfinch hanging in a hedgerow next to Ashford Warren nature reserve. Other goldfnches are attracted by the singing of the trapped goldfinch, and land on glue-covered sticks that are placed in the surrounding bushes. The poacher then collects the birds. The birds often end up with broken legs but can still be sold on.

Kent Wildlife Trust are asking visitors to the countryside to be aware of this unsavoury practice and look out for bird feeders in unusual places and particularly birds in small cages. This should be reported to the RSPCA. 

Kent Police arrested a man in March in Waterdales, near Gravesend, in Kent. In July 2013, the police authorities found mist nets set around Cardiff Wetlands.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/kent-goldfinch.html