POLICE have urged the public to report illegal wildlife traps and snares.
The warning follows the conviction of Michael Wood, 69, from Sinnington, who was found guilty of using a pole trap at a farm in Cropton, near Pickering.
Wood was fined £4,000, and ordered by Scarborough Magistrates' Court to pay costs of £750 and a victim surcharge of £120 for the offence, which took place on June 11 last year.
PC Andy Marsden, a Wildlife Crime Officer at North Yorkshire Police, said: "This conviction sends out a strong message that North Yorkshire Police will take decisive action against people who commit wildlife crime.
"Despite the fact that wild birds are protected by law, birds are still persecuted and suffer cruel treatment. This is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate it in North Yorkshire. If members of the public see traps, please do not interfere with them, as they may be used in a legal manner. However, if there are concerns, photograph them in situ, get a GPS location if possible, and contact North Yorkshire Police so we can investigate."
To report a trap, phone 101, or for more information about specialist wildlife crime officers go to northyorkshire.police.uk/wildlifecrime
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