A NORTHFLEET man has been arrested on suspicion of trapping live wild birds.
Police received intelligence live goldfinches were being used as bait to snare other goldfinches and a 48-year-old man was detained on March 14 at an address in Waterdales.
He was arrested on suspicion of wildlife offences, theft by finding and possessing ammunition without a certificate, while items including wild birds and trapping equipment were seized from the address.
The man has been bailed pending further investigation until April 8.
There are strict regulations governing bird trapping and the arrest was carried out by the Kent Police Rural Partnership in conjunction with the RSPCA.
PC Steven Coveney said: "Trapping wild birds and the trade of illegally captured wild birds without regard to regulation is an extremely serious offence.
"It can cause distress, injuries and death to the birds when done without professional knowledge or equipment.
"Animal cruelty is something Kent Police and the RSPCA do not take lightly."
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