Police interview man from Hythe over dead animals dumped outside Broughton shop

A HYTHE man is the second to be questioned by police over a load of dead animals dumped outside a village shop.

The 27-year-old attended a police station voluntarily yesterday (Tuesday) and was interviewed under caution. Police said he remains under investigation.

As reported in the A&T, police were called on Friday 15th March after around 50 dead hares, a kestrel and a barn owl were found outside a community shop in Broughton, between Salisbury and Winchester.

Examinations of the barn owl and kestrel – both of which are protected species – revealed they had been shot with a firearm.

A 37-year-old Totton man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, night poaching, killing a protected bird and killing a brown hare in the closed season.

He also is accused of offences under the Public Order, Animal Welfare and Firearms acts.

He was given bail until 28th June.

Those with information should call 101 or visit www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report quoting reference 44240111410.