Two people arrested in Yorkshire after trying to steal a goat

Two people have been arrested in Yorkshire - after trying to steal a goat.

West Yorkshire Police Wildlife and Rural team said officers had arrested the suspects since the weekend.

Another man had an air rifle seized after reports of shooting on the highway, police said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

West Yorkshire Police - Wildlife & Rural Crime team posted: "Since the weekend officers have been involved in a number of successful incidents that for various reasons we can not yet provide full details.

PolicePolice
Police

"2 persons trying to steal a goat arrested.

"An air rifle seized and a male reported for shooting on the highway."

What do the team do?

The West Yorkshire Wildlife Crime Officer (WCO) are specialist officers trained in the investigation of Wildlife Crime Offences and supported by wildlife trained Crime Scene Investigators and partner agencies.

The WCO are passionate about the role, and have volunteered to investigate wildlife offences along with thier normal duties.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wildlife is the native fauna and flora of a region. It includes all non-domesticated animals, wild plants and other organisms.

The domestication of wild animals and plant species for human benefit has occurred over many hundreds of years, and can have a major impact on the environment, both positive and negative.

Is wildlife protected by law?

There are many laws in the UK, which are designed to protect both plant and animal species.

Whilst wildlife law is complicated, most UK species of wildlife are protected, to a greater or lesser extent, by law.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Examples of wildlife crime include badger persecution, illegal trade in endangered species, bat persecution, killing birds of prey and poaching.

Wildlife crime is committed when an offence under certain Acts of Parliament has been breached.

What are some of the offences investigated?

Offences often involve cruelty and the unlawful killing of wild mammals and birds, some of which are protected species.

There are numerous Acts of Parliament that provide protection for wildlife in England and Wales.

Some of the legislation that provides this protection is listed on the force website: