DEWI PRICE'S CRUEL WILDLIFE CRIMES IN NEW TREDEGAR AND GELLIGAER REVEALED

Dewi James Price, a man known locally as the 'terrier-man' from New Tredegar, Caerphilly, has been convicted of multiple serious wildlife offences that highlight a disturbing pattern of cruelty and illegal activity. Born on December 6, 1981, Price’s address was listed as Commercial Street, New Tredegar, but he is now reported to have no fixed abode. His actions have shocked the community and prompted a police and RSPCA investigation into his treatment of protected wildlife species.

Price was found guilty of killing a badger in the Builth Wells area of Powys on February 18, 2018. This act was part of a series of offences that also included disturbing nesting red kites and possessing a red kite in his home. The offences date back to May 2019, when he was involved in disturbing a nesting red kite twice in the Gelligaer area of Caerphilly county borough. On one occasion, he took a red kite into his possession, an act that is illegal under wildlife protection laws.

The investigation was sparked after social media posts surfaced, showing a dead badger at the bottom of a dug area in Builth Wells. These images, along with videos, prompted the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit to launch a detailed inquiry. In June 2019, authorities raided a property in Gelligaer, where they discovered and seized a fox cub kept in deplorable conditions in Price’s bedroom. The animal was found amidst food, water, and faeces, indicating neglect. Hunting DVDs, including one titled ‘Badger Diggers Dogs,’ were also recovered from the premises.

Further evidence uncovered during the investigation included searches on Price’s mobile phone for how to train a red kite to hunt and inquiries related to finding kites. Video footage from May 2019 showed Price up a tree near a red kite’s nest, which contained three live chicks, with a parent bird nearby. Other videos depicted him attempting to feed the chicks, handling them directly, and even placing them in a makeshift nest in a cupboard. One clip showed him stroking a chick while a radio played loudly in the background. These disturbing images reveal a clear pattern of interference with protected bird species.

Despite the evidence, the fate of the red kite chicks remains unknown, as no chicks were found during the police search of the Gelligaer property. The authorities emphasized that wild animals such as badgers and birds like red kites are protected by law, and they are committed to safeguarding their natural habitats. Chief Inspector Ian Briggs expressed his concern, stating, “We’d like to remind people that wild animals such as birds and badgers are protected by law and, working with partner organisations, we’re here to ensure that they are safe in their natural habitats. We would particularly like to thank the Gwent Police Rural Crime Team for their support and assistance with this case.”

Rosamund Rutter, representing Price, explained that her client has a history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, along with substance misuse involving alcohol and amphetamines. She stated that Price now recognizes the need for support and is aware of the importance of taking his medication regularly.

In sentencing, Price received a six-month prison sentence, with five months for the badger killing and one month for the red kite offences, to run consecutively. However, the sentence was suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation course, pay a contribution of £125 towards the prosecution costs of £9,946, and a victim surcharge of £128. Additionally, he was fined £25 for breaching the suspended sentence order. The court also ordered the removal of the two dogs, Faith and Gypsy, from his custody and banned him from keeping dogs for two years, a period that would have been longer had the case not been delayed. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offences and the importance of wildlife protection laws.