Published: Tuesday, 1st July, 2008 11:10
Dunfermline MSP calls for wildlife crime crackdown
By Ewan Ferguson
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DUNFERMLINE and West Fife MSP Jim Tolson has called for a “crackdown” on wildlife crime in Fife, saying more should be done to secure prosecutions.
Mr Tolson is concerned at the high number of reported incidents of wildlife crime in the Kingdom, compared to the low number of successful prosecutions.
Under figures released by the Scottish Government, 2005-2006 saw 52 recorded incidents of wildlife crime in Fife but only two proceeded to court with a successful prosecution.
And in 2006-2007 Fife Constabulary recorded 17 wildlife crimes with only three prosecutions.
Although Mr Tolson warned that the figures may be affected by people being tried for more than one crime, he branded the statistics “unacceptable.”
“These figures do suggest that many wildlife crimes recorded by police go unpunished,” he said.
“The Rural Affairs Secretary must order a crackdown on those who are intent on causing criminal harm to Scottish wildlife.”
He added, “We are fortunate enough to have some of the most diverse and interesting wildlife in the world.
“We have the laws to tackle the crime but we need a government that will take action.”
Mr Tolson has now written to Norma Graham, Chief Constable of Fife Constabulary, for an update on wildlife crime in the region.
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