Animals and the Law

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This page is devoted to the LAWS around our Scottish animals; some of the laws have been revised.
All hold severe penalties if a person is caught transgressing.
The following information can obtained from the Strathclyde Police - Wildlife Liaison Officers. (WLO's)

What are wildlife crimes?
    Examples of crimes are:

• The taking of birds' eggs.

• The illegal shooting, trapping, snaring or poisoning of wildlife.

• The illegal trade in species such as parrots, birds of prey, rare plants, tortoises etc.

• The destruction of protected breeding sites of rare species, or of birds' nests while in use.

• Crimes against badgers.

Points you may not know.

• Finding a dead bird or animal report it to the police. DON'T TOUCH IT! It maybe a valuable piece of evidence for the police and courts.

• Your own safety is vital The bird or animal may have been poisoned - DON'T TOUCH IT!

• If possible take a note of the exact location.

• If you have a camera with you photograph the scene.

• Contact your local police as soon as possible and ask for the information to be passed on to the divisional Wildlife Liaison Officer.

• If in doubt report it anyway. A wildlife crime is not always obvious.

• Two witnesses is always best to a suspected crime under Scots law - make sure your companion(s) see what you see.

• If you see a suspect(s) do not intervene as this could be dangerous - Note it and report.

I give thanks to Joe Connelly, Wildlife Liaison Officer Coordinator, Strathclyde police for the informative brochures relating to the following.
(Bill - Webmaster)

THE LAW
(Click on the Acts to read more, Acts will be attached through the coming weeks.)