Crackdown on cruelty praised

Following a spate of badger-baiting cases around the Clydesdale countryside, the area’s regional Labour MSP Claudia Beamish has welcomed tougher sentencing for those responsible.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Mar 2020, 10:30 BST
Badger-baiting has been in the headlines recently but protection of other species is neededBadger-baiting has been in the headlines recently but protection of other species is needed
Badger-baiting has been in the headlines recently but protection of other species is needed

Ms Beamish, who is also her party’s animal welfare spokesperson at Holyrood, said the harder punishment was warranted but wanted the Scottish Government to get tougher still.

Following the passing of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill, she commented: “There is much in the Bill I welcome. I am pleased to see sentences of up to five years in prison and unlimited fines for serious offences. I hope and expect this will have a robust deterrence effect. I also welcome the establishment of an Animal Welfare Commission.

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“However, there are missed opportunities. It’s disappointing to see plans have not been set out to include punishment for destruction of wildlife habitats resting places and breeding sites. I am considering Bill amendments on these with colleagues.

“ I have also called on the Scottish Government to recognise the importance of the iconic species of salmon and this will be specifically developed outwith the bill itself.

“Wildlife crime often happens in remote rural areas. Detection can be challenging.

“However, I am clear that where there is evidence of an alleged crime, the laws on vicarious liability should be strengthened so that any serious crime should also be considered in relation to the relevant landowner.”