After investigation, the police arrested four men last Sunday on Noordstraat in Aardenburg, suspected of involvement in illegal hunting. During a check, the police confiscated an electric collar, a remote control for the collar, thermal cameras, and pellets. Additionally, five Greyhounds were seized.
Poachers and illegal hunting
Poaching is a serious crime that not only harms animal welfare but also endangers nature and biodiversity. Poachers often use techniques such as Greyhounds to chase, catch, and kill wildlife. Illegal hunting is harmful to nature but sometimes also linked to illegal gambling. In some cases, poachers place bets on the hunt, making the practices even more violent.
Poachers often use prohibited means, such as special dogs and advanced technology, to catch and kill animals faster. Because illegal hunting is sometimes connected to criminal activities like gambling, it can be part of a broader criminal network that even operates across borders. This shows that poaching is not only an environmental problem but also related to other forms of crime.
Investigation and prosecution
The investigation is still ongoing. The four suspects are held at the police station. Detectives continue to map out their possible involvement in poaching cases. The suspects are men aged 31, 39, 42, and 30 years old, all without a fixed residence or place of stay.
Reporting suspicious activities
If you have information about poaching or other environmental crimes, or if you are unsure whether to report something, do it anyway! Your information can be very important. Reports can be made to the police via 0900-8844 or anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-7000.