Judicial court review welcome
A charity challenging the Scottish Government over policy after an outcry over how many wild beavers it allowed to be killed in Tayside two years ago has said the Court of Session has agreed to hear its case.
Trees for Life announced last year it was attempting to take NatureScot to court over its alleged failure to make the killing of wild beavers a last resort when the animals are perceived to be making problems for landowners.
The charity began pursuing possible action after a report emerged last year showing 87 beavers were killed under licence in Tayside in 2019 - a number reported to be around a fifth of the Scottish population.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell said at the time it was a “scandal” so many beavers were killed under licence after the government recognised the animals as a European Protected Species in May that year.
Now Trees for Life says the Court of Session has given it permission to challenge the government over its policy when it comes to the granting of licences through a judicial review.
Chief executive Steve Micklewright said: “We’re grateful to the court for granting permission for our judicial review to be heard, which we hope will lead to a more nature-friendly, climate-friendly and farmer-friendly approach to this endangered species in Scotland.”
Lawyer Adam Eagle, chief executive officer of legal specialist rewilding charity The Lifescape Project – which is spearheading the litigation with Trees for Life – said: “In its decision the court has found that Trees for Life has the legal right to challenge NatureScot on this important issue, despite the agency’s attempt to avoid the issues being fully aired at a substantive trial.
“This step forward also shows that we have a real prospect of succeeding in this legal challenge, which is now scheduled for a final hearing in May this year.”
Dog owners in east Perthshire and beyond have been warned to take care when walking their pets near sheep.
With lockdown restrictions beginning to relax and better weather hopefully on the horizon, dog owners may be tempted to head to the country for some fresh air.
But dogs can attack newborn spring lambs, while dog poo presents a risk to pregnant animals.
NFU Scotland’s head of policy team, Gemma Cooper, described good behaviour as being“more important than ever”.
She said:“As we prepare to emerge from lockdown at a time that coincides with lambing and calving, it is more imperative than ever that dog owners ensure their pets are controlled in the countryside.
“We continue to see the devastating impacts of dog attacks on livestock and this crime is completely unacceptable.”
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has also issued a message urging dog owners to put dogs on leads where there is livestock – regardless of whether the dog is
well-trained and usually walks to heel – and to ensure all poo is picked up and disposed of appropriately.
Adam Streeter Smith, an outdoor access officer with the CNPA, said:“Spring time is of course one of the most important times of the year for sheep farmers, spending long hours tending pregnant ewes and vulnerable new lambs.
“That is why it is more important than ever to ensure that dog owners avoid livestock and always keep their dogs under control and in sight – even better would be to keep dogs on leads at all times –
when in or close to fields with pregnant ewes and newborn lambs.
“Dog fouling is another issue of concern. Parasites found in some dog faeces can result in the abortions of cattle and death in sheep.
“Dogs should never be off a lead where there could be pregnant ewes and newborn lambs.
“Our daily dog walks are good for our physical and mental health – and please continue to enjoy them – but please do so with care.”
A dog caught among sheep could result in a hefty fine for the owner and the dog being destroyed.