Wed 26 Oct, 2022

Proposed new measures to help tackle wildlife crime have been welcomed as an ‘important first step’ to crack down on the persecution of birds and animals, say the Scottish Greens. 

The Scottish Government has announced a consultation on proposed tighter laws, that would require those who wish to manage grouse shoots to apply for a licence. Various forms of wildlife traps would also face being banned or subject to new regulations. 

Significantly, licences for so called muirburn - a controversial process used to preserve open moorland through the controlled burning of habitats - will also be considered as part of plans to develop a new Wildlife Management (Grouse Moor) Bill.

The Scottish Greens environment spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said:

“These measures cannot come a moment too soon. 

“For too long, Scotland has endured the persecution of birds of prey and wider environmental damage caused by driven grouse moor management.

“Today marks an important first step in ending destructive practices and holding shooting estates to account. 

“There is still a long way to go, but the range of reforms announced will deliver a step change.

“I particularly welcome the commitment to look again at the role of the Scottish SPCA.

“They are being held back and are only allowed to work on cases involving domestic animals. Their remit must fully extend to helping Police Scotland also tackle wildlife crime.”

The consultation will run until Thursday 8 December 2022 and available at the Scottish Government’s website.

Get involved

More like this

IPCC Report must be a rallying call for climate action

Mon 20 Mar, 2023

A brutally stark report from almost 200 of the world’s leading scientists over the worsening global climate crisis must serve as a rallying call for all of Scotland to take urgent and serious action, say the Scottish Greens. 

The party’s environment spokesperson Mark Ruskell said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s document must serve as a spur for officials, politicians and ordinary people to step-up their efforts.

Mark said:

Scottish Greens welcome expansion of Climate Hubs across Scotland

Tue 14 Mar, 2023

The Scottish Greens have welcomed the announcement that £4.3 million will be allocated to expand the Scottish Government’s Climate Action Hub programme.

The funding, which was announced by the Net Zero Secretary Michael Matheson, will allow the network to expand to around 20 communities across the country.

This follows the success of two hubs in the North East and the Highlands, which have helped to widen participation in climate action and have supported a range of projects, including in relation to local energy and flood mitigation.

No excuse for greyhound racing

Wed 8 Mar, 2023

It is long past time for Scotland to finally phase out greyhound racing, say the Scottish Greens.