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Wildlife crime review
04/10/2007
The prevention, investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime in Scotland is to be reviewed, it was announced today.
Paddy Tomkins, QPM, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland and Joe O'Donnell, HM Chief Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland will stage a review of the way crimes against wildlife are investigated and considered for prosecution.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate on wildlife crime, Minister for Environment Michael Russel said:
"Wildlife crime is an issue which is becoming increasingly significant in this country, not least the persecution of birds of prey.
"A few weeks ago I had to hold the corpse of a golden eagle, the victim of a sickening poisoning in Peebleshire. But sadly, that case is just one of a number of recent incidents across Scotland which has appalled the public.
"However, other issues such as poaching, the illegal fishing of pearl mussels, hare coursing and the importation of rare and protected species - dead or alive - also need our attention.
"We are all victims of wildlife crime in that it threatens to diminish the rich natural heritage for which Scotland is rightly world-famous and which is of great importance to our economy.
"The time is now right to take a look at how crimes against wildlife are dealt with and what we can do to stop them.
"I was pleased to see a number of countryside groups, including the Scottish Countryside Alliance and Scottish Estates Business Group, come out condemning wildlife crime this week.
"They have promised to take action against any of their members who break the law. This is the kind of stong language I want to see coming from the sector to show these crimes will not be tolerated.
"I am delighted to have received the support of the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General as we seek to eliminate these unacceptable and in some cases barbaric practices.
"This detailed inspection will look at how such crimes are investigated and prosecuted and ultimately, how they can be prevented.
"A range of bodies will be involved and I look forward to hearing their conclusions next year."
The debate at Parliament was opened by the Solicitor General, Frank Mulholland QC:
"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service take crimes against Scotland's natural heritage seriously. As with all offences, prosecutions can only be taken where there is sufficient admissible evidence to establish a crime and identify the culprit.
"We recognise the importance and particular challenges of tackling wildlife crime. That is why the service established a network of wildlife crime specialist prosecutors three years ago. I welcome this review as a useful way of looking at what we have achieved, and how we can continue to improve and develop our approach in this area."
The inspection will report in Spring 2008 and it is anticipated that the inspection will commence this month.
Key organisations which will be involved or consulted during the inspection will include the UK and Scottish Government, Police, HM Revenue & Customs, Crown Office, Scottish Natural Heritage, the voluntary sector and the sporting industry.
The Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland is the independent inspectorate for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. One of the principal aims of the IPS is to inspect the operation of COPFS. All previous reviews undertaken by the IPS are available online at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/ipis.