Wildlife Crime 'Stains Scotland's Reputation'

Two new reports have been published which show Scotland hasn't got to grips with wildlife crime.

Two new reports have been published which show Scotland hasn't got to grips with wildlife crime.

LINK says we're at risk of harming our international reputation as a wildlife haven. 

The reports find:

* The extent of wildlife crime is vastly greater than suggested by the numbers of incidents, police investigations and prosecutions. What we see is just the tip of the iceberg.
* The political will to stamp out wildlife crime has been tempered, lacking or not exerted in an effective manner.
* There is a serious question as to whether the "partnership approach" adopted by the Scottish Government has failed.
* The example provided by the near elimination of egg-collecting has not been followed.
* Determined, intelligence-led, carefully targeted and community based policing is required, particularly in areas where a wall of silence seems to surround wildlife offences.
* The full panoply of sentences available to the courts should be used to deter wildlife criminals.
* The reports conclude with 20 recommendations for action to eliminate wildlife crime in Scotland.
* If these recommendations are followed, we believe we can virtually eliminate wildlife crime in Scotland and remove the stain it places on our international reputation.

Speaking on the publication of the papers, Eddie Palmer of Scottish Badgers, Convener of the LINK Wildlife Crime Task Force said:

"Wildlife crime arises from modern versions of old and outdated practices. Practices that were once acceptable are now considered cruel and criminal.  This is especially so where the practices are obviously linked with economic interests. Behaviour in certain minority groups has lagged well behind these changes in our attitudes. It is time to change that behaviour and stamp out these crimes."

Ian Thomson, Species Protection with RSPB Scotland added:

"Together, these papers should be a wake-up call for those involved in tackling wildlife crime. A law is only as good as its enforcement, and the comprehensive analysis contained in these papers shows that this is far from good enough here in Scotland."