Eastbourne man banned from keeping birds

A MAN has been banned from keeping birds after he cruelly kept a wild goldfinch, which later died, in a cage.

Tyler Earwaker was arrested on suspicion of possessing a wild bird contrary to the Wildlife and Countryside Act after Sussex Police attended a property in Windmill Hill, Polegate, on January 23, 2022 and found the wild goldfinch locked in a cage.

The RSPCA attended and took the goldfinch into its care, but despite the best efforts of veterinary staff, the bird died 10 days later.

This was due to the distress it suffered having been taken from its natural habitat and caged, according to Sussex Police.

After being interviewed by officers from the rural crime team, the 22-year-old was charged and pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.