Appeal after breeding pair of Harris Hawks stolen in Mere Brown farm raid

Jan 17 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

THE owners of a pair of Harris Hawks stolen from a farm’s aviary are appealing for help in tracking them down.

Thieves made their way through fields behind Bannister Farm on The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, before cutting through the aviary’s mesh fence and taking the breeding pair, worth around £1,000.

The theft took place between 8pm on Saturday January 12 and 9am January 13.

Daniel Edwards, son of farm owner Tim, said: “It’s very frustrating. We’ve got several breeding pairs here, including gyr/saker falcons and buzzards. It’s a bit of a hobby for my dad.

“The pair that have been stolen are about four or five years old. I suspect they have been stolen for hunting but they won’t be any use for that, so I expect they will try and sell them on.

“Unfortunately, Harris Hawks don’t have to be registered, unlike our other birds, so aren’t tagged.

“But I would ask people to be vigilant and tell police if they suspect someone is offering them our hawks.”

The Harris Hawks are dark brown with a white chest and have metal rings on the legs.

Anyone with any information on the theft of the birds can contact PC 2171 Walker from Lancashire Police on 101.