Scottish Government plans to make landowners liable

Environment minister Roseanna Cunningham announced last week the Scottish Government?s intention to bring forward an amendment to the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill.

She said the amendment would create a new ?vicarious liability offence? that would target those who manage others who are involved in criminal bird persecution. Those found guilty could face six months in jail and be fined up to £5,000. There will be a defence for those who can show that they took steps to prevent persecution.

Ms Cunningham said: ?Increased awareness and condemnation appears to be doing little to bring down the number of illegal bird poisonings in Scotland. Official figures show that 16 birds of prey were poisoned in the first six months of this year and I find this extremely disappointing.?

The rest of this article appears in 10th November issue of Shooting Times.

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