Campaigners report forestry firm to police over cat threat
● Government agency accused of putting animal at risk by logging
A campaign group set up to protect the endangered Scottish wildcat has reported a Scottish Government agency to police.
The Scottish Wildcat Haven group alleged the former Forestry Commission Scotland agency committed crimes by carrying out logging.
It says the activity at Clashindarroch forest in Aberdeenshire constitutes a “serious crime” against the endangered species that proved “particularly damaging” during breeding season.
However, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), one of several new government agencies formed last year to replace Forestry Commission Scotland and Forest Enterprise Scotland, said it regarded the protection of the wildcats as being “of the highest priority”, and pointed out its forest management work was certified to international standards of best practice.
A report last year by the International Union for Conservation of Nature found the Scottish wildcat was on the verge of becoming genetically extinct, with as few as 30 left in isolated pockets of land in the country’s north.
Those pockets include Clashindarroch, where Scottish Wildcat Haven has been engaged in a battle for several years with the government agency, accusing it of putting the animals at risk with its tree felling operations.
In a statement, Scottish
Wildcat Haven said it had reported “previous and current logging” at the forest as alleged wildlife crimes, and pointed out it was illegal to disturb a Scottish wildcat den or resting place.
It said: “The recent and ongoing logging we have documented and informed you about we believe constitutes a serious crime against the Scottish wildcat.”
The push follows the passing of the new Animals and Wildlife Bill earlier this month. The worst animal cruelty offences are now punishable by up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) stressed that it worked to protect “one of Scotland’s most endangered animals”. A statement said: “Wildcats have successfully co-existed with forest management activities at Clashindarroch for many
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yearsandfls’saimistoensure that success continues.”
FLS said felling work was stopped in accordance with the protocols agreed at the end of February. Its timber extraction work continued until 15 March. All machines were off site the following day, and have been since. Police Scotland said: “We are aware of the matter and looking into it.”