Wildlife crime in Scotland increased by more than 10% last year, according to new statistics released by the Scottish government.
Ministers described the hike, announced in the annual Wildlife Crime Report, as “disappointing”.
According to published data, 196 cases were reported in 2020, an increase of 13% compared to 171 the previous year.
This is completely different from 2018 and 2019, where it fell by more than 60%.
Crimes against birds decreased by 22%, from 46 to 36, while crimes related to wildlife, deer and fishing increased.
However, the largest increase was recorded in dog hunting, mainly related to rabbit or deer hunting, which increased by 63% from 22 to 36 cases.
The report details the case of a man who was fined $ 1,000 after pleading guilty to “chasing a dog and killing two brown rabbits in violation of the 1981 Wildlife and Village Act.”
Other notable cases included a person who was caught with boats, ropes and hooks and fined 200 200 after being found in “conditions suggesting he was fishing with a stick other than a stick or wire”.
Another person who damaged and destroyed bat nests or breeding grounds during the building’s demolition was fined 1,000,000.
One person found guilty of hunting and killing sparrows was fined 450,450.
Most wildlife crimes were recorded in the Northeast in 2019-20, followed by the Highlands and Islands and the borders of Lothian and Scotland.
Nearly half of the bird abuse was reported to Dumfries & Galloway.
“Wildlife crime is not only atrocious, it is completely against our efforts to address the biodiversity crisis, which has been supported by many individuals and organizations in Scotland,” said Environment Minister Mary McLaughlin.
Commenting on the report, Scottish Warriors Association President Alex Hogg said: “It is always disappointing that the incidence is on the rise, especially after years of steady decline.
“The figures published today refer to 2020, official reports are overdue.
“We understand that the 2021 data, when released, shows the return of cases.
“It’s reassuring because no one wants to build a growing model. Much progress has been made, including drastic measures by the Scottish government. “Nobody wants to stop progress”.
There was disagreement between the miners and the government over proposals to ban the traps.
Although the number of trapped court cases has decreased since the previous hearing, the numbers reported to the SSPCA remain relatively high.
The Scottish government is considering banning the use of traps.
But Mr. Hogg said the trap remains an important tool for professional fox management in Scotland.
He said a crime involving someone trained in trap management and possession of an identity card in Scottish police traps was “minor and certainly extremely rare compared to most types of crimes the police are investigating” .
Source: Herald Scotland
Jason Jack is an experienced technology journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in computer science and engineering, he has a deep understanding of the latest technology trends and developments. He writes about a wide range of technology topics, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, software development, and cybersecurity.
