Employers to face jail if staff poison birds of prey

Bosses could face up to six months in jail if their workers are caught illegally poisoning birds of prey after new measures were put forward yesterday by the Scottish Government.

Environment minister Rose-anna Cunningham said inc-reased awareness and condemnation of the problem appeared to be "doing little" to reduce the number of poisonings.

Statistics showed that in the first half of this year 16 birds of prey were poisoned, including four golden eagles and one sea eagle.

Five red kites, three buzzards, two peregrine falcons and one sparrowhawk were also affected.

Ms Cunningham said "tougher action" had to be taken as she announced the Scottish Government would bring forward amendments to the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill, which would make employers responsible for illegal poisonings carried out by their employees.

The new vicarious liability offence will, if approved, mean that employers could face a fine of up to 5,000 as well as up to six months in prison.

The environment minister announced the proposed new measure to MSPs on Holyrood's rural affairs and environment committee.

Ms Cunningham said: "Increased awareness and condemnation appears to be doing little to bring down the number of illegal bird poisonings in Scotland.

"We have robust legislation in place to tackle this sort of crime but tougher action has to be taken to deter those who think that they can get away with persecuting our wildlife."

Duncan Orr-Ewing, head of species and land management at RSPB Scotland, backed the proposal. He said: "Wildlife crime against some of our most vulnerable bird of prey species, is having a serious impact on their populations in Scotland."