WIREDGOV

Levels of wildlife crime in Scotland have remained static in the last 5 years according to a report published yesterday.

The second annual wildlife crime report is the next step in developing the bigger picture of what offences are occurring in Scotland.

This report covers wildlife crimes ranging from badger baiting, raptor persecutions and damage to precious freshwater pearl mussels. Figures published earlier this year show raptor poisoning incidents have risen from three in 2012 to six in 2013.

The figures in the report show the largest volume of recorded wildlife crime in Scotland continues to be poaching related (fish, deer and coursing offences). These offences are both broad in nature and levels of cruelty and can often incorporate elements of organised crime including the use of illegal firearms or illegal gambling.

Police recorded crime figures for the 5 year period covered in this second wildlife crime annual report have risen slightly by 5.5 per cent, and this can be viewed against a similar increase of 6.5 per cent for guilty convictions over the same period.

Environment and Climate Change Minister and Chair of PAW Scotland Paul Wheelhouse said:

“As promised, this second report into wildlife crime in Scotland has been refined and made clearer for the reader.

“While poaching is the most commonly recorded offence, crimes against our beautiful birds of prey and pearl mussels remain the most serious in terms of damage to Scotland’s natural environment and our reputation. Though the numbers involved are relatively small, there is absolutely no room for complacency.

“Tackling wildlife crime is not just about law enforcement. We must continue to work with stakeholders to raise awareness and therefore ensure prevention, so that these crimes decrease and stop. We are not there yet, but this report will provoke discussion, inform policy and guide the actions of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland.

“As this is the second year of the report we don’t yet have a complete picture but by looking at the 5 year data sets collated in the report, we can begin to gain some insight. Key agencies and PAW Scotland stakeholders have assisted in the learning process and their support is greatly appreciated.

“Actions taken by the Scottish Government in 2013 and into 2014 have demonstrated the level of seriousness that this area of crime elicits. These are detailed in the report and are illustrative of the efforts going on, sometimes behind the scenes, to put a stop to the illegal killing of our cherished and exceptional Scottish wildlife.

“I remain unsympathetic to those who believe that crimes against wildlife are of little consequence and can somehow be justified. Offences can have massive ecological impacts whilst others involve great levels of cruelty and I will not accept this in a modern, vibrant Scotland.”

Notes To Editors

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/10/2293