Help Animals in Scotland

Originally Posted: February 19, 2012

Help Animals in Scotland

FROM OneKind.org

ACTION

Caged crows were videotaped being beaten on a Scottish estate. Help us to remove some of the obstacles that stand in the way of the protection, conservation and welfare of Scotland’s wild birds and animals.

Guidance for the public on being vigilant in the countryside and reporting wildlife crimes has recently been issued by the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland. People are advised to note vehicle registration numbers, take film or video evidence, and report incidents to the police.

Add your signature to our Open Letter to the Scottish Environment Minister:
http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=75&ea.campaign.id=13736

INFORMATION / TALKING POINTS

REPORTING OF WILDLIFE CRIMES IN SCOTLAND

Guidance for the public on being vigilant in the countryside and reporting wildlife crimes has recently been issued by the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland. People are advised to note vehicle registration numbers, take film or video evidence, and report incidents to the police.

Regrettably, the experience of a OneKind field officer who witnessed a gamekeeper beating seven crows and rooks to death in a crow cage suggests that anyone who acts on this advice will run the risk of being informed that his own actions were illegal, blocking any potential action against the real perpetrator of crime. In this case, the field officer was concerned about breaches of animal welfare legislation and general licence provisions, filmed the incident and informed the police about it. Yet his evidence was ruled inadmissible by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) before it could proceed to court.
We feel that this decision flies in the face of natural justice, animal welfare and the public interest. Minister, we request that you consult with colleagues in the Scottish Government as to how it can be ensured that all reports of wildlife crimes are pursued by the authorities with the utmost rigour.

If there appear to be real legal obstacles to prevent cases proceeding, despite clear evidence of wrongdoing, the law needs to be reviewed. We would welcome urgent action in that respect. 

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Thank you for everything you do for animals!