Punishment and prevention

Sir, We are disappointed that the Scottish Parliament’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee voted narrowly in favour of a course of action which includes examining the possibility of a licensing scheme for game shooting in Scotland as a method of tackling wildlife crime, particularly at a time when the level of wildlife crime – according to government statistics – is at a historically low level.

It is widely acknowledged across the political spectrum that only a tiny minority of people engage in wildlife crime and further regulation will impact on communities where game shooting is of vital social, economic and environmental importance. It was also demonstrated throughout the committee’s evidence sessions that licensing is not a definitive solution, with intolerable instances of crimes against birds of prey still existing in European countries with a licensing system in place.

We are heartened by the fact members of the committee today recognised the shooting community’s set of proposals which, if taken forward, could have a significant impact in helping to eradicate wildlife crime for good. That is the objective we all want to achieve and we believe a combination of punishment and prevention is the most effective way forward.

We have urged the government to adopt tougher penalties for those found guilty of wildlife crime, as outlined in the Poustie report. We would also like to see a formal due diligence package created for shoots accompanied by a new warning sanction for shoots under suspicion – a measure that would be developed under a strengthened PAWS partnership.

We look forward to discussing our proposals with the Cabinet Secretary at the earliest opportunity. Scottish Land and Estates, Scottish Gamekeepers Association, BASC Scotland, The Scottish Association for Country Sports, The Scottish Countryside Alliance and The Scottish Moorland Group.