Trial of Staffordshire man accused of mistreating birds and selling endangered species set for December
The trial of a man charged with several offences of selling animals illegally, including endangered species, in Cannock Chase will take place in December.
Robert Gillan, of Upper Cross Street, Rugeley, pleaded not guilty to counts of selling animals without certificates, relating to birds of prey, an endangered species of macaw and illegal tortoises.
Cannock Chase District Council is prosecuting Gillan for allegedly making more than £100,000 due to breaking laws and strict regulations concerning the selling of rare animals and birds.
The trial will be held at Stafford Crown Court this December, four years after several of the alleged offences Gillan is accused of.
Gillan, 52, was due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on Monday (November 3) but it was adjourned until November 17 as he did not attend having lost touch with solicitors this year.
Gillan is also charged with failure to ensure safety of birds in aviaries between May 2022 and December 2023, and trying to sell protected Hermann's tortoises in 2021.
He is further charged with trying to sell two African grey parrots in September 2021, an endangered military macaw in November 2021, and two endangered Catalina macaws in April 2022.
Gillan is also accused of fraud relating to the selling of birds without the required paperwork.
Gillan denies all charges.