MSPs call for improved detection rates of wildlife crime

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-30360204

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Rates of wildlife crime detection and prosecution must be improved, MSPs have said.

The rural affairs, climate change and environment committee held an inquiry scrutinising the Scottish government's 2013 annual report on offences.

The committee members said the evidence it heard included Police Scotland's belief that there were crimes happening that were not being reported.

The MSPs said they welcomed government efforts to better protect wildlife.

The committee has sent a six-page letter to new Environment Minister Aileen McLeod setting out key issues from the inquiry. They include:

Incidents of wildlife crime that MSPs discussed included the deaths of 22 raptors in the Highlands earlier this year.

Committee convener Rob Gibson, who described the killing of the 16 red kites and six buzzards as "appalling", said: "As awareness of the scope and complexity of wildlife crime increases, we strongly believe there is no room for complacency from any of us in tackling this important issue.

"We questioned whether wildlife crime is sufficiently prioritised by Police Scotland and the Crown Office.

"We heard that the answer is 'yes', therefore we expect to see an improvement in the detection and prosecution rates for wildlife crime in future years."