Alligator kept in a Bath Among tales of Wildlife Crime for Book
AN alligator kept in a bath and finches trapped on glue-covered sticks are among the tales of wildlife crime related in a new book being launched this week.
The Thin Green Line, by Scotland's first wildlife crimes officer, Alan Stewart, will be launched at Augstine United Church on George IV Bridge on Thursday.
The policeman has collected stories from his colleagues around the UK for the book, and explained: "In the Lothian and Borders' chapter I concentrate on the persistent persecution of badgers, the poisoning of birds of prey and the lucrative trade in song birds.
"On a slightly lighter note, I describe the experience of someone who desperately wanted a crocodile as a pet, but got something bigger and less cuddly than he bargained for."
The unfortunate resident of at 15th floor flat in Leith kept the animal – which was in fact an alligator – in his bath. It was only when he tried to sell it that he was caught by police and the SSPCA.
The book is published by Argyll Publishing.
Edinburgh Evening News: 6th October 2009
