New Measures To Tackle Scottish Wildlife Crime

New measures are being introduced to tackle wildlife crime in Scotland.

The move follows a number of recent reports and court cases suggesting wildlife crime is on-going through the use of poisons, illegal trapping and shooting.

The Scottish government reported that 2012 saw a reduction in poisoning cases, but hopes the further measures will prevent more incidents.

The measures being undertaken include a request to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) as to whether it could restrict the use of General Licences to trap and shoot wild birds on land where crimes have taken place.

A group is to be established to review how wildlife crime is treated within the legal system; including whether the penalties available are adequate.

The Lord Advocate has instructed prosecutors in the Wildlife and Environmental Crime Unit to work with police to fight wildlife crime.

Environment Minister and PAW Scotland Chairman Paul Wheelhouse said: "I am determined to stop illegal persecution of raptors that continues to blight the Scottish countryside. These outdated, barbaric and criminal practices put at risk some of our most magnificent wildlife and have horrified a wide range of people across Scotland and those who love Scotland.

"Wildlife crime, and raptor persecution in particular, often takes place in remote locations or in the dark of night. By its very surreptitious nature, the likelihood of being seen by a member of the public who can report the matter to the authorities is small. Though through these new measures I am keen to maximise the opportunity for offences to be detected and offenders to be tracked down.

"Eradicating raptor persecution in Scotland remains a high priority for me and for this Government. It is not however the sole responsibility of Government. Law enforcement clearly has a key role to play. But also everyone should make clear their disapproval to the minority whose actions are tarnishing the reputation of Scotland's country sports."

(IT/JP)