LOCAL MSP QUESTION’S SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S SERIOUSNESS OVER TACKLING WILDLIFE CRIME
Written by author on May 14, 2014
Dumfriesshire MSP Elaine Murray has public questioned how serious the Scottish Government are about tackling wildlife crime.
Dr Murray raised question about Ministers’ commitment during a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the subject of wildlife crime with particular focus on licensing and the persecution of birds of prey.
During the debate, Elaine Murray recalled her experience of visiting the red kite trail in Galloway. Dr Murray explained that she had visited the red kite trail during Easter this year and that seeing dozens of red kits circling and swooping to pick up food, was one of the most spectacular wildlife sights she had ever witnessed. It reinforced her disgust at the recent poisoning of 16 red kites and 6 buzzards in the Highlands. She also pointed out that a 2010 report by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) estimated that since 2004, the trail had brought £21 million in new spending into the local economy.
Dr Murray said:
“We have discussed and debated this issue on several occasions, yet there has been little action taken to stop it.”
“We in the Labour Party have suggested a number of ways at which we could tackle this disgraceful activity including a licensing scheme for sporting estates whereby estates where this persecution persists could lose their license and their income derived from shooting. This suggestion has so far not been considered.
“I have also previously suggested that the Parliament extend the powers of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in relation to wildlife crime. I was told two years ago that this would be put out a public consultation, but consultation was only launched at the end of March this year: almost four years after I called for the SSPCA to be given more powers. While I look forward to the responses, I do question how seriously the Government really taking this matter. More urgency is required to prevent incidents similar to the recent poisonings in the Highlands. ”
