Durham man in court on egg theft charges

Aug 12 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal

A MAN from County Durham appeared in court yesterday charged in connection with the smuggling of endangered and exotic bird eggs in and out of the country.

Andrew Peter Seed, 45, of White Lodge, Low Willington, Crook, appeared before Bishop Auckland magistrates after hundreds of rare eggs were seized from his home during a raid on February 10.

He faces 18 charges relating to the smuggling of eggs following a joint investigation by Durham Police, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the National Wildlife Crime Unit.

Four charges relate to allegations that Seed has been involved in the unlawful import of birds’ eggs from the USA and Australia. Species involved include American birds of prey and Australian parrots Eleven charges contrary to the Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations relate to allegations that Seed has been involved in the illegal trade in birds’ eggs. Species include the golden eagle, Egyptian and griffon vulture, peregrine, red kite, plus a number of non-European species.