Paul Baker, 67, and Jess Baker, 39, pleaded guilty to a number of offences at Swansea Magistrates’ Court in May 2018, including an admission that their actions led to the goshawk suffering unnecessarily. The pair were sentenced at the court, with Paul Baker banned from keeping any bird for a period of four years. He was also given a 12-month community order, and told to undertake a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

In addition, Paul Baker was handed a £200 fine, told to pay £300 in costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

Jess Baker was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence, a ban on keeping any bird for a period of four years and ordered to undertake a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was also told to pay a £200 fine, £300 costs and a £115 victim surcharge. The court gave Jess Baker a two-month period to make new arrangements for a Harris hawk presently in his possession.

It was confirmed in court that the bird had been in the possession of either the father or son for approximately three to four years with a broken wing, denoting a “prolonged period of suffering”.  Additionally, Paul Baker had been told by an experienced falconer around the time of the incident to ensure the bird was checked over by a vet, and for the animal to be registered.

Jess Baker also pleaded guilty to offering the goshawk for sale – something illegal under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

Source: Wales Online.

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