Achi news desk-
The increase comes despite the overall number of wildlife crimes recorded by Police Scotland falling by 7%, down from 308 in 2020-21 to 286 in 2021-22.
There were “significant reductions” in fish poaching, with offenses falling from 110 to 49, and offenses relating to hunting with dogs (down from 44 to 13).
The report said an increase in bird and other wildlife crime could be partly attributed to Operation Tantallon which targeted crimes against peregrine falcons.
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He said: “Operation Tantallon, which targeted crimes against peregrine falcons, was the key factor behind the increase between 2020-21 and 2021-22 in crimes for trafficking in endangered species (from one to 46) and persecution birds of prey (from 11 to 24).”
The 2021-22 figures also show that 77 cases were transferred to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for consideration, with 23 people subsequently prosecuted.
In 33 cases, an “alternative to prosecution” was used, such as a fine, while 21 cases resulted in no action by prosecutors.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) said: “The Scottish Gamekeepers Association has a clear policy on wildlife crime. If any SGA members are convicted of wildlife crimes, they will be removed from the organization.
“We have taken these steps eight times in the last 10 years. The SGA will never condone wildlife crime and will take decisive action if there is any reason to do so.”
