Bird crime figures soar in Highlands
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CRIME against wild birds dramatically increased across the Highlands last year according to a new report.
The latest annual Wildlife Crime in Scotland study, published last week, showed a total of 12 crimes recorded involving birds in the Highlands in 2015, compared to just two the year before.
Fish poaching incidents were also up, from 17 to 31, although there were no incidents against badgers, compared to three the year before, or breaches of other poaching and game laws.
Overall the total number of wildlife crimes recorded in the Highlands and Islands for the year was 61, compared to 34 the year before.
RSPB project officer Stuart Benn said a rise in the number of recorded incidents didn’t necessarily mean crime itself was on the increase.
However he said: "The figures certainly show that this is something that is still going on despite all of the messages coming out from government, from the tourist industry, from conservation organisations and from responsible landowners.
"We work with the police to advise them wherever we become aware of a particular problem and I think there does need to be that side of things too.
"Because of it’s nature and the fact that it often takes place in more remote areas wildlife crime can be difficult to detect and stop, and alongside the education and the ongoing discussions with interest groups and so on there has to be a legal side where people know there will be consequences if and when they are caught."
Despite this call a report by conservation charity Scottish Environment Link, backed by RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Raptor Study Group, recently criticised a "lack of transparency and clarity" over Crown Office decisions about whether or not to prosecute individual wildlife crimes brought to their attention.
Submitted to the Scottish Parliament’s justice committee inquiry into the work of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) it said: "There have been a number of cases where organisations have invested a considerable amount of time and resources into investigations only for decisions to be made with no subsequent rationale provided."
It said it left partner organisations "unable to learn and understand."
A Crown Office spokesman said prosecutions are brought "where there is sufficient admissible evidence and it is in the public interest."
They added: "The COPFS is a member of the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime in Scotland.
"This includes partners from a wide range of bodies committed to tackling wildlife crime including conservation, land management, shooting and law enforcement organisations."
Cabinet secretary for the environment, Roseanna Cunningham, said: "Let me say that the dedication of those who seek to protect and conserve our wildlife is truly valued.
"Conversely, we will continue to isolate and punish those that act with blatant disregard to the laws that protect Scotland’s natural heritage.
"I remain determined to tackle outdated practices and attitudes.
"Scotland’s wildlife is for everyone to enjoy; not for criminals to destroy for their own ends.
"The Scottish Government will use all of the tools available to enable our law enforcement colleagues to bring those responsible to account."
Alex Hogg, chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA), said his organisation is doing all it can to drive down wildlife crime, particularly in terms of illegal poisoning.
"As an organisation we have expelled five members in five years who have been convicted of a wildlife crime and we actively supported the Scottish Government’s pesticide disposal scheme," he said.
"We will continue to get our message out that applying for legal solutions to Scottish Natural Heritage is the only way to resolve species conflicts in Scotland."
