RSPCA raid uncovers bird trading ring in The Bell, Leytonstone

They found 40 cages of birds when they caught several members of the group red-handed at The Bell pub in Leystonstone, east London.

Eight men aged 26 to 68, from London, Essex, Kent, County Durham and West Yorkshire, were handed fines after admitting possession of wild birds at the pub on February 2.

A spokesperson from the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit said: “We worked with police for weeks compiling intelligence after information that a group of men were meeting at The Bell pub in Leytonstone on a Saturday morning to trade in wild birds.

Bird cages in the rear of a vehicle. Photo: SWNS

“When the warrants were executed we found a large group of men with around 40 cages of birds of which many were suspected to be wild.

“The illegal trapping and trading in wild birds has long been a problem. Taking a wild bird from its natural habitat and shutting it in a tiny cage is cruel.

“These birds can suffer immeasurably, not only physically but also mentally, and they often die shortly after being captured.”

CCTV screenshot of Michael Crotty (left). Photo: SWNS

All men pleaded guilty to one offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act banning possession of wild live birds.

A further six men who denied the charges and three others who were not at the original hearing earlier this month are due to appear later at Thames Magistrates Court.

One of those men is charged with having trapping equipment and nearly 200 birds, including linnets, goldfinches, siskins and bullfinches at an address in Southend, Essex.

CCTV screenshot of Peter Borg (left). Photo: SWNS

Another has already admitted being in breach of a previous order not to have goldfinches.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds says: "Goldfinches can be seen anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees, rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants. Likes orchards, parks, gardens, heathland and commons.

The men were found trading several birds, including goldfinches. Photo: Pixabay

"They are less common in upland areas and most numerous in southern England.

"The goldfinch is a highly coloured finch with a bright red face and yellow wing patch. Sociable, often breeding in loose colonies, they have a delightful liquid twittering song and call.

"In winter many UK goldfinches migrate as far south as Spain."

There are 1.2m breeding pairs in the UK. The finch family, which typically has forked or notched tails, also includes bullfinches, siskins, linnets, and chaffinches.

One of the men was found to be in possesion of wild siskins. Photo: Pixabay

Bird enthusiast Michael Crotty, 60, of Poplar, east London, was fined £160 and ordered to pay £340 of costs and a surcharge after buying three Goldfinches at the pub.

Crotty, who had one other goldfinch in his possession, said he believed they were captive and not wild.

Canary breeder Peter Borg, 68, of Walthamstow, east London, claimed a goldfinch he had owned for four years was not wild and was fined £40 with £220 in court costs.

CCTV screenshot of Rocky Price. Photo: SWNS

William Thomas, 34, of Wickford, Essex, claimed he was new to the hobby and didn't realise the birds were wild when he went to the pub to buy them.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £180 in costs and surcharge for possession of three goldfinches outside The Bell.

The goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family that is native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. Photo: Pixabay

Serkan Das, 26, of Edmonton, north London, who was caught with one goldfinch, was ordered to pay £310 after saying he went to the pub because he believed a bird club meeting was taking place.

Rocky Price, 32, of Ferryhill, County Durham, was seen by RSPCA officers taking two goldfinches in a cage to his car. He was fined £170 and ordered to pay £180 in costs.

CCTV of Serefetin Icel. Photo: SWNS

Serkan Das (right). Photo: SWNS

Kevin Price, 35, of Tingley, West Yorkshire, was caught with seven goldfinches – including one in his pocket and four in his car.

Magistrates made a deprivation order for the bird in his pocket and he was fined £425 and ordered to pay £180 in costs and surcharge.

Jack Rogers, 30, of Swanley, Kent, who said he was new to the hobby and wanted to buy a goldfinch to breed with a canary, was fined £160 and ordered to £180 in court costs for possession of one goldfinch.

Serafettin Icel, 56, of Ilford, Essex, said he kept and bred birds as part of his culture when he was caught with two goldfinches at the pub. He was fined £260 and ordered to pay £180 in costs and surcharge.