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Thursday 17 Apr 2008 @ 11:43
Scottish Government
Scottish Government
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Minister responds to wildlife crime report
Minister for Environment Michael Russell has outlined his response to yesterday's publication of a review into the investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime.
The joint publication by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMICS) and Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland (IPS) follows a number of high profile wildlife crime incidents in the last year.
Its recommendations include:
* That the Scottish Government creates a wildlife crime reduction strategy
* Those forces that do not already have a full time wildlife crime co-ordinator post should create one and appoint a police officer to the role
* That Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) (Scotland) consult upon and publish guidance on measures that can be used to deter or be applied as sanctions
Mr Russell said:
"I very much welcome this forward looking and constructive review. I am grateful to all those involved for what is a very significant contribution to the important issue of wildlife crime.
"I shall of course be giving a detailed response to the Scottish Parliament but I have no doubt that this review will help greatly in getting to grips with the unacceptable level of wildlife crime across Scotland.
"Of course, a crime against Scotland's rich and unique natural heritage is a crime against Scotland itself, be it poisoning a bird of prey or badger baiting.
"Fortunately there are positive signs of change. I have been particularly encouraged by a growing willingness on the part of groups with an interest in the countryside to put aside their differences and to work together to address the issue of wildlife crime.
"The review places great emphasis on the need for effective partnerships as the key to defeating wildlife crime.
"While many of the recommendations are operational matters for Chief Constables, I of course accept that we in government can do much to facilitate a co-ordinated approach to the prevention, detection and prosecution of wildlife crime.
"Most importantly I recognise that the Scottish Government needs to provide strong leadership on this issue.
"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.
"It will be dealt with using all the professional expertise of the law enforcement and prosecution services and I am confident that we will start to see some significant results in the fight against wildlife crime."
The Scottish Parliament will debate the issue again in the coming months.
Related Information
The joint publication by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMICS) and Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland (IPS) follows a number of high profile wildlife crime incidents in the last year.
Its recommendations include:
* That the Scottish Government creates a wildlife crime reduction strategy
* Those forces that do not already have a full time wildlife crime co-ordinator post should create one and appoint a police officer to the role
* That Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) (Scotland) consult upon and publish guidance on measures that can be used to deter or be applied as sanctions
Mr Russell said:
"I very much welcome this forward looking and constructive review. I am grateful to all those involved for what is a very significant contribution to the important issue of wildlife crime.
"I shall of course be giving a detailed response to the Scottish Parliament but I have no doubt that this review will help greatly in getting to grips with the unacceptable level of wildlife crime across Scotland.
"Of course, a crime against Scotland's rich and unique natural heritage is a crime against Scotland itself, be it poisoning a bird of prey or badger baiting.
"Fortunately there are positive signs of change. I have been particularly encouraged by a growing willingness on the part of groups with an interest in the countryside to put aside their differences and to work together to address the issue of wildlife crime.
"The review places great emphasis on the need for effective partnerships as the key to defeating wildlife crime.
"While many of the recommendations are operational matters for Chief Constables, I of course accept that we in government can do much to facilitate a co-ordinated approach to the prevention, detection and prosecution of wildlife crime.
"Most importantly I recognise that the Scottish Government needs to provide strong leadership on this issue.
"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.
"It will be dealt with using all the professional expertise of the law enforcement and prosecution services and I am confident that we will start to see some significant results in the fight against wildlife crime."
The Scottish Parliament will debate the issue again in the coming months.
Related Information
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