SNP accused of breaking wildlife crime unit pledge

The Scottish Government has been accused of failing to live up to an election promise to set up a dedicated wildlife crime unit.

Last month Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham revealed that a taskforce of five special constables had been hired for a pilot scheme to tackle animal cruelty.

Special constables are volunteers who carry out the same duties as other officers. However these officers will reportedly not be focused on wildlife crime on a full-time basis and will have other duties in addition.

Included in the government’s manifesto before the 2016 election was a pledge to set up a dedicated police unit to deal with wildlife crime.

However, following a written question from Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth for South Scotland, the environment secretary has revealed this idea has been scrapped.

Ms Cunningham said: “Following discussions with Police Scotland it was decided that the most effective use of resources would be for the Scottish Government

“Commitment was a dedicated wildlife crime unit”

to provide financial support for a 12-month pilot project.

“This involves the establishment of a new group of special constables and their equipment in the Cairngorms National Park who will focus on tackling wildlife and rural crime.

“If the pilot project is judged to be successful, consideration will be given to extending the scheme to other areas of Scotland.”

But Mr Smyth said he was “deeply disappointed” by the government’s decision.

He said: “This trial is a first step, but the commitment given by the SNP was a dedicated wildlife crime unit.

“They have failed to deliver.”

Roseanna Cunningham announced a pilot project