FOLLOWING a detailed investigation into a woman who was found to be taxidermising dead bats, our Rural Engagement Team has seized them and they will be destroyed.
Investigating officer PC Terry Verrall said the woman was running a legitimate business but hadn’t realised she needed specific licences to stuff or sell bats, as well as other wild birds and animals.
After issuing a community resolution, he explained: “She’d never been in trouble with the law before and didn’t know what licences are needed for selling taxidermy items.
“It’s important to understand it’s an offence to buy, sell, possess or transport a dead bat, or any part of one, without the appropriate licence.”
The team were alerted by Natural England that the woman, from south Essex, was selling bat skulls, taxidermised bats and parts of crows.
“This case is quite unusual, so we spoke to Natural England and the police National Wildlife Crime Unit about it,” explains Terry.
“They were keen to ensure the woman was properly educated about what she can and can’t stuff or sell so she doesn’t repeat the mistake.
“The laws surrounding the buying and selling of protecting animals and birds are there to protect species which are rare, endangered or at risk of extinction.
“Our world is a beautiful place, enriched by the wildlife it contains, and we are committed to safeguarding it for future generations.”
All the taxidermised items have been seized and will be destroyed.
