MSP wants action on wildlife crime

Nov 17 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

MID-SCOTLAND and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has voiced his concern at the number of wildlife crimes taking place in Tayside.

Twenty-two wildlife crimes were reported in the area in 2008/09.

The figures have been revealed by the Scottish Conservative through a parliamentary question to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill.

Murdo wants to a reduction in the number of offences and wants constituents in Tayside to work with Tayside Police on the matter to reduce and end wildlife crimes in the area.

He said: “In 2008/09 there were 22 wildlife crimes in Tayside, which is the third highest recorded year for wildlife crime in Tayside, with only 2002/03 and 2004/05 being higher.

“Residents in Tayside will agree with me that wildlife crime is deplorable and disgusting and every effort must be taken to end this vile practice.

“The figures uncovered by the Scottish Conservatives show we are some way off, with almost 400 wildlife crimes being reported in Scotland last year.

“It is heartening there appears to be a greater public awareness of and willingness to report wildlife crimes.

“Good people in Tayside will do all they can to report and stop wildlife crime as it is our duty to protect animals from cruelty.

“I believe a nation can be measured by the way in which its animals are treated and protected.

“Our efforts should be primarily focused on ensuring the existing legislation is properly used and enforced.

“Whilst there may be a case for the tightening of existing legislation, it is the enforcement of that existing legislation which is the real problem.”