taking pictures of children committing animal cruelty? Help

wilddawn · #1 (**permalink**) 05-05-2011, 03:59 PM

I've just seen 2 lads about age 11 run up to a pair of canadian geese on the nest and throw stones, I got a clear photo but am unsure what to do with it. Aren't there rules about taking photos of children no matter what they're doing?

While I was there a parent came out and shouted at the lads for throwing stones at his kid (who where much younger than the 11 year olds of course) but the lads couldn't of cared less. 2 local lads told me where they think one of the offending lads lives, what they think one of them is called and that they keep bullying them, they've also seen them making fires and last week the lads burnt a cats ear. I need to do something before they smash up the nest and could hurt more young kids and pets but what?

pressld2 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-05-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilddawn

Aren't there rules about taking photos of children no matter what they're doing?

No, there are not! Providing they are in a public place, you have the right to take a photo of anyone you wish irrespective of their age. The only exception to this is members of the security service engaged in active anti-terrorist operations. Of course, in most situations it is only polite to ask people if they mind you taking photos but you are under no legal obligation to do this, and in this situation it would obviously not be worthwhile.

You could try taking the photos to the police but as Canada geese are not protected birds I doubt they would be interested. However, given the other activities they've been getting up to it might be worth a try.

Dave P.

dampflippers · #3 (**permalink**) 05-05-2011, 04:29 PM

RSPCA (prevention of cruelty) or RSPB (protection)

Many bad things are said about the RSPCA from time to time, but this I think is time to call them in.

Your police may have a wildlife crimes officer (ours does). Find the non urgent number for your police force, phone and tell them the situation.

In the event that they want the photo for evidence, download other photos from that memory card beforehand.

I would do it today. If none of the above are interested, then it is a story for your local paper.

wilddawn · #4 (**permalink**) 05-05-2011, 04:30 PM

Thanks, it was on a lodge that I think belongs to the local anglers group, does that make a difference? It is a busy pathway that is used by the general public.

Last year all the nests on the lodge where smashed up and kids where throwing stones at the birds, swans had allways nested there but they left last year after their eggs where destroyed and haven't been back.

dampflippers · #5 (**permalink**) 05-05-2011, 04:36 PM

No, it doesn't matter where it is if it is animal cruelty.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers if you want to stay anonymous.

But try to contact someone today.

valleyforge · #6 (**permalink**) 05-05-2011, 04:42 PM

Doesn't matter if the species is 'protected' or not ... all birds are protected in law from acts of cruelty.

As you are in Lancashire, you can call the Lancashire Constabulary on their non-emergency number, which is 0845 1 25 35 45.

Alternately, the Crimestopper number is 0800 555 111.

wilddawn · #7 (**permalink**) 05-05-2011, 04:52 PM

Thank you, will be contacting the police, will let you know how I get on.

Kayleigh · #8 (**permalink**) 05-05-2011, 04:59 PM

Glad you going to the police with this and there is concern in the present dry parched land there are fires started deliberately all over the place atm, acts of arson are taken seriously whatever age the kids are so there are a number of crimes being committed already by these that need nipping in the bud..
But I cant say it will do any good they sound like they come from an antisocial family..

pressld2 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-05-2011, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilddawn

Thanks, it was on a lodge that I think belongs to the local anglers group, does that make a difference? It is a busy pathway that is used by the general public.

I don't think that makes any difference as it sounds like the path is probably a public right of way. But even if it isn't, private property can still be a "public place" in legal terms if there are no barriers to entry and no signs telling people to keep out. So please don't worry about taking photos of minors.

The RSPCA suggestion is a good one. Foolishly I didn't think of the animal cruelty aspect, only of the disturbance to breeding birds aspect. Been reading too many threads about schedule 1 birds.

Dave P.