Caught in a trap of politicians' making

What embarrasses me is to see conservation and animal welfare charities giving politicians unwarranted publicity by sharing platforms with them, so that MSPs and MPs can spin platitudes about doing their bit for animals.

Politicians and police forces continually tell us wildlife crime is a major issue, yet neither are putting in the resources required to enforce and prosecute offences against wildlife.

Before it became illegal to use dogs to kill foxes it was not unusual, even on days when there was an Old Firm match in Glasgow, to have the police helicopter, several van loads of uniformed officers and numerous plain-clothed officers out on the Renfrewshire moors rounding up anti-hunt protesters. Now that setting dogs on foxes is a criminal offence you would be lucky to find PC Murdoch out on his bicycle of a Saturday afternoon.

Gamekeepers are allowed to use certain types of traps and firearms to kill what they perceive to be vermin (anything that might include a grouse egg or chick in its diet). Why not give the police, RSPB and SSPCA the power to make unannounced spot checks on gamekeepers and their vehicles and property to ensure they are not in possession of illegal traps or poisons?

There are only two full-time Wildlife Crime Officers in Scotland. If the Scottish Government really does believe wildlife crime is "a crime against Scotland itself" why doesn't it come up with the extra funds required to put two full-time Wildlife Crime Officers into every police force?

John F Robins, secretary, Animal Concern Advice Line