A Douglas man appeared for sentencing before the courts on Friday having been found guilty of two offences relating to the illegal possession of two birds of prey and two further offences of cruelty to dogs.

Richard William Miller, 40, of Alder Road was sentenced to fines, costs and compensation totalling £4,500 and banned from keeping any animal for 10 years.

One of the investigating officers, Constable Mark Kerruish, who is a wildlife crime officer based at Ramsey police station, explained: ’The animals were all recovered from a Douglas address in August 2016 following an intelligence led search operation. 

’The hawks had been the main focus of the search, having been reported as being kept in poor conditions without the required licence to keep the birds of prey. The dogs were subsequently located whilst inside the property.

’The dogs were located in appalling conditions: both were underweight with prominent back bones and located in a single downstairs toilet, on a urine soaked piece of foam surrounded by extensive faeces, with no food or water readily available. 

’The white terrier was stained yellow to the lower part of its body as a result of urine staining, and it took MSPCA staff 3 to 4 months of regular washing to remove the staining. Both dogs are now fine and doing well.’

Mr Kerruish thanked the ManxSPCA who helped in the recovery of the animals and their subsequent care.

The hawks have been re-homed in a UK sanctuary and it is hoped the dogs, who are still with the MSPCA, will be re-homed soon.

He said: ’It is hoped that this result and sentencing by the courts sends out a clear message, showing that any offences relating to the cruelty or neglect of animals are taken very seriously by the Isle of Man Constabulary.

’We will continue to work alongside the MSPCA and other agencies to ensure that offenders of this nature are bought before the courts and, if guilty, that the fines imposed on them reflect this robust approach.’