Wildlife crime penalties

Should we strengthen the protection given wild animals by increasing the maximum penalties available for the most serious wildlife crime offences and extend the time allowed for prosecution of these offences when under summary procedure.

We received a total of 556 responses to the consultation.  Responses were received from 523 individuals and 33 organisations.

Almost all (97%) were in favour of increasing the maximum penalties for some wildlife offences, for example the injuring or un-licensed killing or taking of wild animals.  Many respondents commented that the current maximum penalties available are too low and that an increased focus on enforcement of penalties would be welcome.

Most respondents (69%) agreed that we should extend the time allowed for prosecution of these offences under summary procedure.  Respondents commented that crimes should be followed up regardless of the length of time elapsed since the offence and noted that it can take considerable time to gather evidence and that existing time constraints may be detrimental with regards to obtaining successful prosecutions.

These responses have been fully considered and on 30 September 2019, we introduced the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) Bill into Parliament to effect these changes.

The Bill can be found at;

https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/112958.aspx