Over 40 sparrow chicks removed from nests by workers sparks police investigation

Some had no feathers while others had not yet opened their eyes, sanctuary spokesperson says

Seven of the young sparrows taken to the sanctuary have died since their arrival but staff are confident the other 38 will survive (SWNS/ PACT Animal Sanctuary)

Roofing workers who took 45 young house sparrows to an animal sanctuary after they were removed from their nests have prompted a police investigation.

When the two unnamed workers first brought 23 fledglings to the PACT Animal Sanctuary in Norfolk last week, staff called police.

The sanctuary warned the workers that they should not remove any birds from their nests and advised them to stop work immediately.

But two days later, a further 22 sparrows were brought to the sanctuary.

“It is illegal to move young birds and eggs from nests as they are protected,” a spokesperson from the sanctuary said.

Sparrows have suffered significant declines in the last 40 years across the UK, with their population dropping by 71 per cent since 1977, according to Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 states that it is illegal to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.

Seven of the young birds taken to the sanctuary have died since their arrival but staff are confident the other 38 will survive.

George Rockingham, an administrator at the sanctuary, said the chicks did not have any feathers and some "hadn't even opened their eyes".

There were also some unhatched eggs brought along with the birds.

"We immediately got on the phone to the police for advice and they informed us that they would need to take action as it is a serious matter," Mr Rockingham said.

A Norfolk Police spokesperson confirmed the force was contacted after reports numerous birds' nests had been damaged during the previous two days.

"The nests contained 45 young house sparrows and three eggs, and are believed to have been removed from a property in Attleborough,” they said. "Our investigation into the incident continues”

Additional reporting by SWNS