Wildlife crime unit needed to protect natural heritage

THE Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals believes the war against wildlife crime has been considerably strengthened by the location of the National Wildlife Crime Unit in Scotland. We acknowledge the vital role of intelligence-gathering. The sharing of intelligence is the way forward, and our officers have initiated as well as taken part in successful joint police and customs operations.

The crimes in Scotland, such as the poisoning of birds of prey, finch trapping and badger baiting involve immense suffering, but they also rob the people of Scotland of a rich and diverse fauna. The unit will spearhead a "joined-up" approach to tackling wildlife crime and police officers, Revenue and Customs, specialist organisations and Interpol can be mobilised quickly when needed. However, none of this is possible without the initial information from the public and their role is essential in stopping and preventing the pain, suffering and damage to our natural heritage.

Information is gathered and shared by many agencies. Our dedicated wildlife crime hotline is manned 24/7 and calls to that number have helped to progress investigations that have ended in successful prosecutions. The number is 0870 240 4832.

We commend the unit's head, Chris Kerr, for his efforts to help to establish a similar unit in India. Whether the incident is finch trapping in East Lothian or poaching tigers in India, the fight against wildlife crime is one we dare not lose.

KAY DRIVER

Chief executive, SSPCA

Queensferry Road

Edinburgh

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has revealed that between 1995 and 2006 there were 1,113 confirmed incidents of birds of prey being poisoned, shot at or having their nests destroyed. It went on to say the figures are "only scratching the surface", with more crimes going unreported.

Last Wednesday, at the launch of the new NWCU, the police and the minister for bio-diversity made it clear that one of its top priorities is to tackle the illegal persecution of birds of prey. It seems those in the game shooting industry are in denial as to the extent of the persecution. Thankfully, the police and government have a clearer view.

LOGAN D STEELE

Bridgewater Avenue

Auchterarder, Perthshire

The siting of the NWCU in Scotland is to be warmly welcomed (your report, 18 October). Illegal persecution in Scotland accounts for nearly half of the United Kingdom total. Sadly, cases of poisoning of birds of prey seem to be on the increase and are expected to reach a record high this year.

Welcoming the siting of the unit in Scotland, Paddy Tomkins, the Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders, warned that wildlife crime is having "a direct impact on the economic, environmental and cultural lives of communities". Surely, it is time for our courts to act accordingly.

ROSS MINETT

Director, Advocates for Animals

Queensferry Street

Edinburgh