THE majority of the public believe more power should be given to Scotland’s animal welfare charity to investigate wildlife crime, according to new research.
The Scottish SPCA has revealed that 87 per cent of the Scottish public agree that the charity should be fully authorised to investigate all crimes involving wild animals. A further 78 per cent are concerned about wildlife crime in Scotland.
The findings have been released pending a decision by the Scottish Government following a public consultation over whether the charity’s powers should be extended.
After a spate of high profile wildlife crimes, changes being considered include allowing the charity’s inspectors to conduct searches without a warrant if they suspect evidence will be found and to seize that evidence. Extra powers around the checking of traps are also being considered.
The charity has written to MSPs in advance of the ministerial decision arguing that additional powers would bring investigations involving wild animals into line with crimes involving other animals and could result in an overall decrease in wildlife crime in Scotland.
Pressure group Raptor Persecution claims the conviction rate for raptor persecution crime in Scotland is currently a “pathetic” 7.3 per cent.
“We are confident that a change in legislation could result in an overall decrease in wildlife crime caused by an increase in the quality and amount of investigations undertaken, which could not only deter potential offenders but may also help achieve a higher rate of conviction,” said Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn.
The charity currently works in partnership with statutory organisations including Police Scotland in some wildlife crime and “numerous” non-wildlife crime investigations, he pointed out.
“Most of these cases involve serious or organised crime including dog fighting and the puppy trade,” said Flynn. “We have a proven track record and are leading the way in these very difficult fields, working jointly with Police Scotland, HMRC and local authorities.”
He said the charity wanted to continue working collaboratively with Police Scotland but, due to competing demands, wildlife crime could not always be high priority for police.
“Furthermore, research shows more people would call the Scottish SPCA to report wildlife crime than the police, 45 per cent versus 41 per cent,” said Flynn. “We strongly believe a change in legislation to allow our inspectors to fully investigate wildlife crime would be a positive step forward for animal welfare in Scotland.”
The Scottish SPCA is the only animal charity in the UK able to report animal cruelty cases to the Crown, with reports sent to the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
Currently the Scottish SPCA has the power to investigate wildlife crimes that involve an animal in distress. If the animal or bird is already dead, welfare legislation does not apply and all the charity investigators can do is call the police.
Opponents to increased powers for the investigators include the Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association which argues that the charity, unlike the police, is not publicly accountable.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here