out of my local paper

[bullcross1 10]

Sign InRegisterBIRD CRUELTY: Police found valuable birds in a cupboard of Shaun Cruikshanks which had been stolen from an aviary owned by Leslie Copeland

 

« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTPublished Date: 14 January 2010

A man kept birds of prey stuffed inside boxes at his Wearside home.

Shaun Cruickshanks, 27, was yesterday found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering by keeping the birds in a cupboard without food, water and space to exercise.

 

He was also found guilty of handling stolen goods.

 

Seven birds were snatched from aviaries in Seaham last April, leaving

enthusiast Leslie Copeland devastated.

 

But following an Echo appeal, police received a tip-off the birds had been seen with a 16-year-old Sunderland boy, with inquiries eventually leading officers to Cruickshanks.

 

Peterlee Magistrates' Court heard when they turned up to his house in Byland Close, Houghton, Cruickshanks led them straight to the cupboard where the boxes had been kept since the day before.

 

They recovered two adult Harris hawks, a pair of lennar falcons and a barn owl from the store, with a Harris hawk chick found in the living room.

 

Only a female Harris hawk, which is thought to have escaped from her captors, was not recovered.

 

No one has been charged with the thefts from Mr Copeland's home.

Inspector Eddie Bell, wildlife officer with Durham Constabulary, said the birds could have become distressed because of over-heating and lack of space to stretch their wings.

 

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was cleared of causing unnecessary suffering.

 

However, he admitted a charge of handling stolen goods and was given a 12-month conditional discharge.

 

Cruikshanks was released on bail until Tuesday (JAN 19) when he will be sentenced.

 

During the hearing, Cruickshanks said he did not know birds were in the boxes or they were stolen and had been given the chick in return for storing the boxes for a few days.

 

However, in interview he gave differing accounts, admitting he knew what was in the containers and was holding them as a favour after the boy's father told him to get rid of the animals.

 

The boy claimed Cruickshanks had been trying to sell him the birds.

 

Mr Copeland, a retired labourer from Westlea, said the birds were left traumatised by the theft and some had become violent, with the incident leading him to pass several on to other falconers.

 

Four eggs due to hatch the day after the raid were also left to go cold, killing the chicks inside.

 

The grandfather, who used to exhibit his birds to schoolchildren, is now selling the house because he and his wife fear further burglaries.

 

He said the estimated value of the birds could be up to £4,500, but added: "At the end of the day it's not just the money, it breaks your heart.

 

"It's like somebody's been in your home, it's your love and interest and it's resulted in me selling my home because me and my wife won't settle now."

 

 

this same chap is also responsible for pinching a lot of lurchers terriers and a few months back, am sure he along with his friends are on here haha pricks

Edited January 14, 2010 by tracker