PEPPERELL, Mass. (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) recently uncovered an illicit falconry operation in Pepperell, following a complaint from NH Fish and Game in late 2023.
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According to MEP, police discovered that a Massachusetts resident had falsely claimed New Hampshire residency for four years to evade the Commonwealth’s falconry regulations.
During the investigation, MEP seized four raptors, including two Harris Hawks, a Gyrfalcon, and a deceased Peregrine Falcon. The Gyrfalcon killed the Peregrine Falcon due to inadequate caging facilities, according to police.
Multiple charges were filed in District Court against the individual, including:
- Illegal Possession of Raptors (3 counts)
- Illegal Possession of Species of Special concern (to wit Peregrine Falcon)
- Failure to Report Death of Falconry Bird
- Illegal Transportation (4 counts)
- Improper Caging Area (Mews)
- False Statement to Procure License.