Rural Community Gateway

It was announced recently that a review of the prevention, investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime in Scotland will be carried out. Paddy Tomkins, QPM, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland and Joe O’Donnell, HM Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland are to look at the way such crimes are investigated and considered for prosecution.

Speaking during a parliament debate on wildlife crime, Minister for Environment Michael Russell, "Wildlife crime is an issue which is becoming increasingly significant in this country, not least the persecution of birds of prey.

"A few weeks ago I had to hold the corpse of a golden eagle, the victim of a sickening poisoning in Peebleshire. But sadly, that case is just one of a number of recent incidents across Scotland which has appalled the public.

"However, other issues such as poaching, the illegal fishing of pearl mussels, hare coursing and the importation of rare and protected species - dead or alive - also need our attention.

"We are all victims of wildlife crime in that it threatens to diminish the rich natural heritage for which Scotland is rightly world-famous and which is of great importance to our economy.

"The time is now right to take a look at how crimes against wildlife are dealt with and what we can do to stop them.

"I was pleased to see a number of countryside groups, including the Scottish Countryside Alliance and Scottish Estates Business Group, come out condemning wildlife crime this week."

Joint countryside statement

This statement was issued by the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association, the Scottish Countryside Alliance, the Scottish Estates Business Group, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation Scotland.

It said, "We condemn any breach of the law. If any of our members are convicted of a wildlife crime offence appropriate measures will be taken. Sanctions include the withdrawal of membership. In particular, conviction for poisoning offences will be treated with the utmost severity."

You can read the full statement on the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association website.

• Privacy
• Help
• Contact Us
• Disclaimer