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<p>The Government takes wildlife crime, including the illegal taking of birds of prey,
seriously. All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981,
with strong penalties for those committing offences against birds of prey including
up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.</p><p> </p><p>Birds of prey are
listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which
controls trade in endangered species through a permitting system. This protects species
from the risk of extinction due to unsustainable trade. The Control of Trade in Endangered
Species Regulations 2018 means that anyone committing CITES offences, including trying
to trade in birds of prey taken from the wild, could face up to five years’ imprisonment
and/or an unlimited fine.</p><p> </p><p>Raptor persecution and CITES issues are two
of six UK wildlife crime priorities. Local police and Border Force are responsible
for wildlife crime enforcement. The National Wildlife Crime Unit, which is co-funded
by Defra and the Home Office, provides intelligence to support police and Border Force
enforcement activities.</p><p> </p>
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