Greater powers to
investigate wildlife crime is at the centre of a new consultation.
Views are being
sought on extending the investigative authority of the Scottish Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) Inspectors which could provide a
greater resource to tackle wildlife crime in Scotland.
Under the
proposals, SSPCA inspectors would be able to investigate crimes relating to
wild birds, other protected animals, poaching, snaring and non-native species
of animals. Those investigations could involve accessing land and premises,
searching for evidence and seizing any evidence found. Access to dwellings and
locked buildings would be granted by warrant only.
The consultation
seeks to get views on proposals which would allow the SSPCA to investigate
situations where animals were not in distress - for example checking illegal
traps where no animal is present or an animal is already dead.
Members of the
public and key organisations are now being invited to respond to the
consultation by September 1, 2014.
Environment
Minister and Chair of PAW Scotland Paul Wheelhouse said:
“Preventing
wildlife crime is at the top of our agenda but it can be difficult to detect
and investigate which can lead to difficulties in mounting prosecutions and
convicting those responsible.
“These
crimes often occur in remote locations where there are few or no witnesses.
When incidents are discovered any delays increase the likelihood of any
evidence being destroyed – either deliberately or simply as a result of
exposure.
“The
proposals to increase the powers for SSPCA inspectors could provide an
additional resource to Police Scotland in an area of crime which can be time
consuming and difficult to investigate.
“We need to
find out what the public feel about this issue. I have already strengthened our
approach in tackling wildlife crime but the outcome of this consultation will
help us to understand public opinion on possible new ways
forward.”