Ellistown: Animal ban over birds kept in 'appalling conditions'

His birds are now in the care of local falconers.

A man has been convicted for keeping birds of prey caged "in appalling conditions" in Leicestershire.

Mitchell Wright had 23 protected species of birds inside aviaries in Whitehall Road, Ellistown, when officers arrived in September.

Police said he was keeping the birds in poor conditions and did not have the right paperwork.

Wright, from Cartwright Road in Sutton Coldfield, was sentenced at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Leicestershire Police said the 33-year-old failed to hold the correct paperwork for the birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

'Really pleased'

He pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, of failing to prevent the causing of unnecessary suffering of an animal, failing to ensure animal welfare and possessing unregistered birds.

He was banned from keeping any animals for five years and given a 12-month community order, which includes 15 days of rehabilitation requirement and 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also fined £85 towards Crown Prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

His birds are now being cared for by local falconers.

Leicestershire and Rutland Rural Policing Team said: "We are really pleased with this result at court and are grateful to all those who helped us with caring for the birds, advising us and giving their expert opinions and statements. We couldn't have done it without you."