Reports of wildlife killed and strung up near public path at Balmore

Police are appealing to the public to be watchful for wildlife crime after incidents near Balmore Golf Course.
Dead goose left hanging on a wire fence at a public path at BalmoreDead goose left hanging on a wire fence at a public path at Balmore
Dead goose left hanging on a wire fence at a public path at Balmore

A member of the public reported on Twitter that slaughtered animals had been hung up on a wire fence at a public path.

He posted a photo of a dead goose and tweeted: “A goose is the latest. I've witnessed children and other people being distressed seeing animals treated like this. It's on a public right of way.”

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He posted that dead rabbits and deer had also been tied to fences.

Police told the Herald they had not been informed of dead animals being hung up.

However, Police Inspector Alan Ferris said: “Enquiries have been carried out following reports from members of the public of wild animal skin being found near the village of Balmore, East Dunbartonshire on Wednesday, 27 January 2021, and Monday, 1 February, 2021.

“Although any officer can investigate wildlife crime, one of Police Scotland’s dedicated Wildlife Crime Officers is currently attached to the Kirkintilloch Community Police team and he carried out a thorough investigation which found no criminality was established.

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“Police Scotland takes any form of wildlife crime seriously and we currently have a campaign ongoing to raise awareness of the issue across Scotland. The public are our eyes and ears in the countryside and I would urge anyone to report anything suspicious to us.

“Information such as the date, time and weather conditions and if possible a map reference or even a GPS reading of the location of any incident is useful for our enquiries. Vehicle details, including colour, make and registration numbers, or mobile phone images or footage taken at a safe distance can also be helpful.

“We would ask that the public never touch any dead animals or birds that they come across and do not disturb any items discovered nearby.

“Anyone who comes across a wildlife crime or suspects a wildlife crime has happened should contact us on 101 or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”