THE number of reported crimes involving hunting with dogs more than doubled in Scotland last year despite an overall fall in reported wildlife offences of more than eight per cent last year.
Figures from the Scottish Government’s annual wildlife crime report show there were 44 hunting with dogs offences in 2015/16, up 24 on the previous year and the highest number over the five-year recording period. The Scottish SPCA described the rise as “very worrying”.
Hare coursing accounted for 38 of the offences, fox hunting for four and deer was the target in two cases.
Almost half of the offences with dogs – 20 – were recorded in the north-east of Scotland. There were also 11 in the Lothians and Borders and six in Tayside.
Overall, reported wildlife crimes fell to 261 from 284 in 2014/15. Fish poaching remains the most common wildlife crime, but the number of offences fell from 101 to 75. Bird persecution was the second most common offence, with 46 crimes recorded – down three from the previous year. The highest number of wildlife offences in 2015/16 were recorded in Tayside (53), the north-east (41) and the Highlands and Islands (33).
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, who last month announced a plan to set up an independent group to look at grouse moor management practice, said: “This fifth wildlife crime annual report provides useful data on the issues we face trying to protect Scotland’s wildlife from illegal activity. It shows a decrease in overall recorded wildlife crime which is welcome, however, there is no room for complacency.
“We know from the report published earlier this year that it is very likely that golden eagles and other raptors are being illegally killed every year, but where there is no body or tag to be found, these losses do not make it into the recorded crime figures.
“I have set out some measures to tackle the issue of missing raptors, including setting up an independent group to examine grouse moor management practices and a new pilot scheme to use special constables to tackle wildlife crime in the Cairngorms National Park. I am determined to put an end to raptor killing and all other types of wildlife crime.”
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Although we are pleased to see the eight per cent decrease in wildlife crime reports, wildlife crime continues to cause us great concern.
“The increase in hunting with dogs is very worrying and we will work with Police Scotland in any way to tackle wildlife crime in Scotland.”
RSPB Scotland said stronger sanctions were needed to further reduce offences. The charity’s head of species and land management, Duncan Orr-Ewing, said: “We welcome the publication of the report, and the continued scrutiny by the Scottish Government of this issue. Sadly, wildlife crime, including the illegal killing of our of native birds of prey, remains a blight on the international reputation of Scotland.”
Susan Davies, director of conservation at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “While we welcome the small reduction in recorded wildlife crimes, it’s likely the overall figures significantly under-represent the actual number taking place, due to the difficulty of detecting incidents that often occur in remote, rural areas of Scotland. Partnership working between land managers, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government is key to tackling wildlife crime.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Gamekeepers Association said: “We have a strict code regarding wildlife crime which is fully understood by our membership. We note the Scottish Government’s intention to hold a review of grouse shooting in Scotland and will participate fully in what we hope will deliver sound evidence and not implication or speculation.”
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