Police Hunt Culprits After Otter Found Dead in Illegal Net at Loch Ken
Police Scotland in Dumfries and Galloway are appealing for help after an adult otter was found dead, tangled in an illegal fyke net at Loch Ken. A passerby discovered the lifeless animal near Parton on Wednesday, June 28, at around 2pm and alerted the authorities.
Illegal Fyke Nets Threaten Wildlife
Investigations revealed the otter drowned after becoming caught in a crayfish trap likely set without a licence. Fyke nets, often used to catch crayfish, are banned without proper permission due to the harm they cause to local animals.
“Setting fyke nets without authorisation is illegal and deadly for wildlife,” said PC John Cowan, Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer. “Otters are curious feeders and can easily get caught and drown in these traps, as sadly happened here.”
Police Seek Public’s Help to Nab Offenders
Police are teaming up with the Loch Ken Ranger Service to track down those responsible for setting the illicit nets. They urge anyone with information to come forward by calling the non-emergency number 101. Quote incident reference 2743 from June 28.
