JULIUS GADZOR CAUGHT TRAPPING WILD BIRDS IN GRAVESEND USING GLUE TRAPS

Julius Gadzor, a resident of Gravesend, was found guilty in connection with illegal bird trapping activities. Born around 1979 and originally from Slovakia, Gadzor was living on Wellington Street in Gravesend, DA12. His involvement in capturing wild birds using inhumane methods, specifically glue traps, led to a police and RSPCA investigation that uncovered disturbing evidence of animal cruelty.

On Thursday, June 14, 2018, officers from the Rural Task Force for Kent, working in collaboration with the RSPCA, executed a search warrant at Gadzor’s residence following a tip-off received from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The intelligence gathered from the RSPB played a crucial role in enabling authorities to obtain the necessary legal authority to search Gadzor’s property. During the search, law enforcement officials seized a number of caged wild birds, along with rat glue and various trapping devices used to capture the birds illegally.

Four days after the initial raid, Gadzor was brought in for questioning. During the interview, he admitted that he had been attempting to trap wild birds in his garden, an activity that is strictly prohibited under UK law. His confession confirmed suspicions that he was engaged in illegal and cruel practices aimed at capturing birds for personal or possibly commercial reasons.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw, who coordinated the operation, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling wildlife crime. He stated, “This is an excellent example of partnership working. The intelligence received from the RSPB allowed us to gain enough information to request a search warrant, and the case built by the RSPCA resulted in the man having to admit his guilt.” He further condemned bird trapping, describing it as not only illegal but also profoundly cruel, adding, “We are committed to working with our partner agencies to put these criminals, who illegally trap birds for their own financial gain, before the court.”

A spokesperson for the RSPCA highlighted the cruelty involved in such activities, explaining, “To take a wild bird from its natural habitat and shut it inside a tiny cage is so cruel. They suffer greatly in captivity, are not used to being in cages, and, sadly, often die.” The spokesperson also reminded the public that all wild birds, their nests, and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and that trapping wild birds is illegal without specific licenses.

Gadzor was ultimately sentenced to a 28-day curfew and ordered to pay a total of £385 in costs and charges. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities and conservation groups to combat illegal wildlife trapping and protect native bird populations in Kent and across England.