A POLICE Scotland wildlife officer has revealed that the owl and goshawk found at Cathpair Farm near Stow in September last year died from severe dehydration as a result of a lack of food and water.

The birds had been trapped in a cage normally used to control crows and should have been released.

Following an investigation 53-year-old Peter Givens was fined £300 at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday, 29 November, 2021 after admitting recklessly killing the birds of prey.

Following the conviction Wildlife Crime Officer, Police Constable Steven Irvine, said: “Individuals who are responsible for setting these style of traps, which are legal when set correctly and the conditions met, should be checking them regularly as part of the General Licence conditions and at least once every 24 hours to free any birds of prey or other non-target species trapped.

“In this case when enquiries were carried out, including forensic testing, it was found they died from severe dehydration as a result of a lack of food and water.

“We will always carry out an investigation when a dead bird of prey is found and I would urge anyone who comes across anything suspicious to call us on 101. Members of the public have an important role to play in helping us to combat all types of wildlife crime.”