Wildlife crime report recommends increase in penalties

A new report recommends an increase in the number of penalties available for wildlife crime offences.

The report, drawn up by a review group chaired by Professor Mark Poustie, an environmental law expert at Strathclyde University, sets out ten recommendations.

As well as increases to the maximum available penalties, the report also recommends greater use of alternative penalties such as forfeiture, systematic use of impact statements in court, new sentencing guidelines, and consolidation of wildlife legislation.

The report concludes that penalties for wildlife crimes have fallen behind those for other types of environmental crime, and that fine levels for many of these crimes have not kept pace with inflation.

Professor Poustie said: “I consider that the group has produced a range of balanced and practical recommendations which should enhance the deterrence of penalties for wildlife crimes and I urge the Minister to take forward the proposals in the Report.

“I wish to thank my fellow members of the group for their extensive help in developing the report and also those who participated in the stakeholder engagement process for their contributions.”

Douglas McAdam, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Scottish Land & Estates and its members support stringent penalties for those convicted of wildlife crime offences and this report from Wildlife Crime Penalties Review Group does send a powerful signal to anyone involved in crimes from poaching and coursing to killing of protected species.

“As an active participant in the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime Scotland, we will examine this report in detail and will continue to play our part in combatting all types of wildlife crime.”