Welcoming the siting in Scotland of the National Wildlife Crime Unit, Paddy Tomkins, the chief constable of Lothian and Borders Police, warned earlier this year that the significance of wildlife crime should not be underestimated. He said it had "a direct impact on the economic, environmental and cultural lives of communities".
However, in the most recent case of a gamekeeper being convicted for illegally possessing poison and using it to kill a protected bird, the fine was a paltry 850. It must be hoped that if the RSPB receives evidence that leads to charges, it will receive the full support of the justice system.
ROSS MINETT
Director, Advocates for Animals
Queensferry Street
Edinburgh