ENVIRONMENT

An end to the “clear distrust” between some of the groups which tackle Scotland’s worst wildlife crimes has been urged by a Holyrood committee.

MSPs voiced alarm at the situation as they called for greater co-operation and better reporting between wildlife groups, other organisations and police to help stop the cruel treatment of wild animals.

The Scottish Parliament’s environment, climate change and land reform committee has been scrutinising the Scottish Government’s annual report on wildlife crime in 2015 and its comments came in a letter to Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham.

MSPs did not single out particular organisations in their letter for criticism on the issue of how they work together. However, in the 12-page document, convener Graeme Dey wrote that wildlife crime is “everyone’s problem”.

“The committee was also alarmed at the clear distrust between some stakeholders,” he said.

“More must be done by all concerned in terms of reporting to and co-operating with Police Scotland.”

MSPs spoke of the importance of thePartnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime in Scotland (PAWS) – an umbrella body that includes police, land managers, conservationists and the Scottish Government.

“The committee therefore calls on the various groups and organisations whomake upPAWS to continue to build upon these relationships so the benefits that can be derived from joint working are not diminished,” the letter added.

Speaking later about the report , Mr Dey said: “Wildlife crime is unacceptable and there should be a zero- tolerance approach towards such activities and those who undertake them.

“Tackling this issue effectively requires genuine collaborative working and the committee was disappointed to see the clear distrust and tension which exists between some of those whose participation is so essential.”

Roseanna Cunningham: environment minister