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Pesticides poisoning report
21/06/2007
The annual report into animal pesticide poisoning in Scotland has been published today by the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency.
The Executive and the Scottish Partnership For Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) welcomed it as part of the ongoing work to tackle wildlife crime.
Minister for Environment Michael Russell said:
"Today's statistics reflect the excellent work done by police and countryside agencies in tracking down and dealing with the perpetrators of crime against nature.
While there has been an increase, it should be stressed that this reflects a growing awareness of the problems and the willingness of the public to report these appalling crimes."
The killing of birds of prey and other wildlife by illegal poisoning is one of the highest profile examples of wildlife crime and the rise in the numbers of cases investigated by SASA, the Executive and the police highlights the commitment of PAW members to stamp out this criminal practice.
Ron MacDonald, Head of Policy and Advice at Scottish Natural Heritage, said:
"It is unacceptable that Scotland's most iconic and vulnerable species are targeted and killed as a result of pesticide abuse. As with all forms of wildlife crime, SNH will work with our partners in PAW to help combat these illegal and deplorable practices."
This month a successful prosecution under new legislation was brought against an individual who was found to have placed poisoned baits by the Southern Upland Way. He was pronounced guilty and received 220 hours of community service.
Joe Connelly, Wildlife crime officer, Strathclyde Police, said:
"We take any wildlife crime seriously but, by its very nature, poisoning of wildlife has to be considered one of the most appalling crimes against nature. The law is still being flouted by some individuals and we will do our best to bring them to justice."
To mark the relaunch of the Campaign Against Illegal Poisoning in Scotland the Executive recently banned the possession of 8 pesticide ingredients without lawful excuse, including Carbofuran and Alphachlorolose. Given the toxicity of these substances their illegal use poses a genuine risk to the environment.
Duncan Orr-Ewing of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland, said:
"Illegal poisoning is an indiscriminate, dangerous and outdated practice that threatens some of our most vulnerable bird species, including golden eagles and red kites. We welcome steps by the Scottish Executive and Police to tackle those involved with this practice."
The arrival of the National Wildlife Crime Unit to Scotland has taken the fight to protect our environment to a new level and is helping to coordinate the detection and investigation of wildlife offences. The Executive is fostering partnerships across the country, and everyone with an interest in the outdoor world is being encouraged to play their part.
Dr Colin Sheddon, Director Scotland British Association for Shooting and Conservation, said:
"Although there has been a general decline in the poisoning of birds of prey over recent years, even one incident is one too many. Such cases adversely affect much of the good work that gamekeepers and game managers do for the Scottish countryside and slow down debate on the real issue of raptor impacts on game and other birds."
If anyone has information regarding illegal poisoning please call the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme freephone number 0800 321 600.