Tuesday 29 Apr 2008 @ 10:28
Scottish Government
Scottish Government
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Animal poisonings report
A new report has again highlighted the disgraceful level of illegal animal poisonings which have been taking place in Scotland.
The report, published today by the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency (SASA), shows that last year it dealt with 190 suspected pesticide poisoning incidents, more than 50 of which related to birds of prey.
Minister for Environment Michael Russell said:
"Once again, I have been presented with information that presents a stark picture of crimes against Scotland's unique natural heritage.
"SASA's report highlights a particularly high level of raptor poisoning but other animals have been victims, including other birds, badgers, foxes and even pet cats and dogs.
"It is absolutely clear that this kind of incident must stop. Using pesticides to poison an animal is cruel, illegal, and in the case of pets, very upsetting for owners.
"Last week Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (Scotland) (HMICS) and the Inspectorate of Prosecution Scotland (IPS) made a number of recommendations on the investigation and prosecution of these incidents.
"I have no doubt that their review will help greatly in getting to grips with the unacceptable level of wildlife crime across Scotland. I intend to set out my detailed response to the review shortly.
"While there have been positive signs of change, including a growing willingness from countryside groups to work with the authorities, more work needs to be done.
"We must be absolutely clear that the abuse of wildlife is a crime, and it is a crime that the Scottish public will no longer tolerate."
"I am very grateful to SASA for their continued work in this unpleasant field."
The number of incidents investigated for poisoning year on year are as follows:
1997 144
1998 167
1999 135
2000 167
2001 127
2002 158
2003 152
2004 121
2005 157
2006 177
2007 190
SASA is now a division of the Scottish Government, having formerly operated at arms length as the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency.
Related Information
The report, published today by the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency (SASA), shows that last year it dealt with 190 suspected pesticide poisoning incidents, more than 50 of which related to birds of prey.
Minister for Environment Michael Russell said:
"Once again, I have been presented with information that presents a stark picture of crimes against Scotland's unique natural heritage.
"SASA's report highlights a particularly high level of raptor poisoning but other animals have been victims, including other birds, badgers, foxes and even pet cats and dogs.
"It is absolutely clear that this kind of incident must stop. Using pesticides to poison an animal is cruel, illegal, and in the case of pets, very upsetting for owners.
"Last week Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (Scotland) (HMICS) and the Inspectorate of Prosecution Scotland (IPS) made a number of recommendations on the investigation and prosecution of these incidents.
"I have no doubt that their review will help greatly in getting to grips with the unacceptable level of wildlife crime across Scotland. I intend to set out my detailed response to the review shortly.
"While there have been positive signs of change, including a growing willingness from countryside groups to work with the authorities, more work needs to be done.
"We must be absolutely clear that the abuse of wildlife is a crime, and it is a crime that the Scottish public will no longer tolerate."
"I am very grateful to SASA for their continued work in this unpleasant field."
The number of incidents investigated for poisoning year on year are as follows:
1997 144
1998 167
1999 135
2000 167
2001 127
2002 158
2003 152
2004 121
2005 157
2006 177
2007 190
SASA is now a division of the Scottish Government, having formerly operated at arms length as the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency.
Related Information
http://www.sasa.gov.uk/pesticide_wildlife/wiis/reports.cfm
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment
