5th March 2026
Other items found included Class B drugs, drug paraphernalia, air rifles, crossbows, catapults and a firearm.
Dead and frozen animals were among items seized during a rural crime warrant carried out at a property in Rotherham.
South Yorkshire Police said officers recovered more than 20 off-road vehicles, a stolen car, firearms and drugs after executing a warrant at an address on Lockwood Road in the East Herringthorpe area.
The operation followed the launch of the South Yorkshire Rural Crime Initiative on Monday (March 2), aimed at tackling offences affecting farmers, wildlife and rural communities.
Police said officers forced entry to the property and were “immediately met with evidence of hunting and animal cruelty.”
The warrant was carried out after intelligence was shared by the charity Naturewatch and involved officers working alongside the RSPCA.
A 40-year-old man was arrested at the scene while officers searched the property.
During the search, police recovered 22 off-road bikes suspected to be stolen, as well as a Toyota Hilux worth more than £30,000.
Officers also found dead frozen foxes, hare, rabbits and deer, which were seized as evidence.
Dogs believed to have been used for hunting were also discovered with injuries and were taken away to protect their welfare.
Police said other items found included Class B drugs, drug paraphernalia, air rifles, crossbows, catapults and a firearm.
South Yorkshire Police rural crime lead Chief Inspector Peter Spratt said: “The launch of our Rural Crime Initiative pledged our dedication to identifying and stopping those who cause harm to our rural communities, animals and land, and this warrant is an example of our commitment.
“Those who use animals for hunting are frequently linked to wider criminality, and there is often criminal damage and anti-social behaviour associated to their actions. Seizing equipment, animals, weapons and recovering drugs causes a significant disruption to criminality, and for that we make no apologies.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank our partners at Naturewatch and RSPCA who played a really important role in our initial investigatory response. Information from the community and our partners is crucial in helping us build our intelligence picture around rural and wildlife crime and ensures we can effectively direct our resources.
“I encourage anyone with information or concerns around rural and wildlife crime to report it to us directly, so we can take action.”
Following further checks, officers confirmed the Toyota Hilux had been stolen and was using cloned registration plates.
The arrested man was held on suspicion of offences under the Animal Welfare Act and possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/man-arrested-after-frozen-foxes-33533499
Scum like this need getting rid of they are pure evil bastards and no good to society what soever. Lock the filth up for a very long time.no ridiculous fines. Well done to the police and RSPCA