WIREDGOV

Partnership work to tackle wildlife crime is proving successful, according to a report published yesterday.

The Natural Justice Update, which analysed the progress made in the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime, recognises the progress made and recommends that local partnership groups are now formed to make further progress.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said:

"The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime in Scotland now has more organisations actively involved in tackling these crimes than any other part of the UK.

"This illustrates our collective determination to crack down on and bring to justice those involved in crimes against our unique and stunning wildlife.

"There is no room for complacency and I intend to ensure that the recommendations to form a series of local partnership groups are pursued. By the very nature of these offences we rely on local knowledge to help us detect crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice."

A crown office spokeswoman said:

"The Solicitor General welcomes the Natural Justice update and notes the good progress that has been made in tackling wildlife crime.

"He is pleased to note that COPFS has now implemented all the recommendations made in the original report.

"COPFS remains fully committed to working with partners against wildlife crime and to continuing to build on the effective working relationships which have been established."

Figures revealed last week show a steady increase in the number of wildlife offences being reported to Scotland's police forces. In the past decade (1999 - 2008) the number of reported offences rose from 140 to 384, due to increasing awareness and detection.

The penalty for crimes against wildlife is up to twelve months in jail and/or a £10,000 fine. Crimes involving the purposeful release of non-native species into the wild can incur a maximum two year jail sentence and £40,000 fine. For crimes that involve the illegal trade of protected species a maximum seven year sentence and unlimited fine can be imposed.

Natural Justice was published by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland and the Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland in April 2008.

The Natural Justice Update suggests improvements can be maximised by:

• Setting up local groups involving individuals and representatives of organisations with an interest in the environment
• Local partnerships supported by the Procurator Fiscal Service
• The standardisation of Wildlife Crime Police Officer roles and training
• Changing the way police assess information

The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) involves a wide range of bodies including, among others, the Scottish Government, the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Scottish Natural Heritage, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, conservation agencies, land managers and game organisations.

Responses to the consultation on the draft Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill, which ran between June 15 and September 4, are being assessed by and independent analyst whose report will be published in December.

The Bill, which includes recommendations to tighten up the laws against poaching and snaring, will be introduced in this Parliamentary session.