Dead animals found in Dalkeith woods

Police are appealing for information after 24 dead pigeons and two deer were recently found dumped in woodland near Dalkeith Campus.

Dead animals in cluding pigeons were found in and around the woodland near Dalkeith High School Campus. Photo kindly supplied by the Find Jeff Scotland Facebook page.

The dead pigeons were reported to police last week after they were discovered in woods near the entrance of Easter Langside Park in Dalkeith.

It follows a similar incident where a black bin bag containing two dead deer was found at Cowdenfoot Loan around March 30 and officers believe the incidents might be linked.

The grim findings were highlighted by the Find Jeff Scotland Facebook page, which was set-up to trace a dog stolen during a family walk on Christmas Day, 2014, in Newbattle Woods.

Dead animals were found in plastic bags in and around the woodland near Dalkeith High School Campus. Photo kindly supplied by the Find Jeff Scotland Facebook page.

The post said: “We have had several messages over the past couple of weeks regarding dead animals being found in plastic bags in and around the woodland near Dalkeith High School Campus.

“This is extremely disturbing and even if the act of killing these innocent animals was being carried out in accordance with the law, it is clear from the manner in which the bodies have been disposed of that these people are not abiding by the law.”

Constable Steven Irvine, who is a wildlife crime officer, said: “These incidents can be traumatic for members of the public who find the animals and we are committed to taking action against people committing wildlife crimes.

“Birds are protected species so unless you are working under a general license, for example to carry out pest control measures, it is illegal to kill wild birds. It is possible these animals have been killed under license, however, they have not been disposed appropriately and we are keen to establish the full circumstances.

“There are different licensing requirements for possessing an air weapon and a firearm so this is a serious matter. The disregard shown to these animals and the public is not acceptable.

“We will continue to work with our partners including the SSPCA and Midlothian Council and would encourage anyone who has any information about these incidents to please contact us.

“Similarly if you have any information about people committing wildlife crime in your area, contact us.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 1439 of April 21.

As it’s a Police Scotland case the Scottish SPCA said it is unable to comment.

The Find Jeff Scotland campaign is still searching for Jeff the dog, go to @FindJeffScotland if you can help.