An animal welfare charity has published a report on UK wildlife crime and called on the UK Government to better support enforcement agencies working to tackle the crime.
Endorsed by celebrities Stephen Fry, Deborah Meaden and Charlotte Uhlenbroek, the report is a result of months of research and data gathering, says World Animal Protection. It has looked at UK enforcement work to combat wildlife crime, from police forces to civil society groups.
Wildlife campaigner Alyx Elliott said: “We have spent a significant amount of time speaking to all the agencies involved in combating this bloody crime. We commend the UK Government for the work they have undertaken so far and welcome further dialogue around the specifics of our recommendations for fighting wildlife crime.”
Most Wildlife Crime Officer roles are voluntary and as such, resources are limited, and support from senior police figures varies, she said. “While we endorse recent moves from the Home Office to make wildlife crime an offence that can be recorded, we believe they do not go far enough. The new wildlife crime category currently includes 17 offences, and only covers one of the six key priority areas identified by the National Wildlife Crime Unit’s (NWCU) 2013 Strategic Assessment of wildlife crime, all CITES-related offences.”
The actor Stephen Fry said: “Our brilliantly wonderful yet tragically defenceless native wildlife face being trapped or killed every day in the UK for shameless personal gain. We have a duty to ensure effective policing of wildlife crime in this country, which will undoubtedly contribute to tackling this unscrupulous activity at a global level.”
In June 2014, Jim Fitzpatrick MP for Poplar and Limehouse tabled Early Day Motion (EDM) 189 on our behalf urging the Government to deliver a thorough, domestic, strategic plan for tackling wildlife crime offences within the UK. Thanks to our dedicated supporters and those from IFAW and HSI who also put out the action, this EDM is the most supported motion in this parliamentary session with 128 signing from all political parties.
Alyx Elliott added: “We feel our report busts some myths about what wildlife crime looks like in the UK and demonstrates the urgent need for more to be done to tackle it here at home.” A significant percentage of police intelligence reports relate to poaching of UK species – which includes hare coursing, and fish and deer poaching. The penalties and risks for wildlife crime are low, yet the potential rewards are high. A single poached carp can be worth up to £12,000, hare coursers can make up to £30,000 in three months’ of ‘bets’ and powdered rhino horn is worth more gram for gram than gold or cocaine on the black market.
Deborah Meaden said: “Is there a hidden cost behind wildlife crime? Absolutely. Serious criminals increasingly view it as a source of funds for other illegal activities such as money laundering and drug smuggling. It is horrendous enough that these criminals profit at the cost of our beautiful native wildlife, but the importance of policing wildlife crime runs even deeper in terms of protecting our UK economy and our communities.”
Charlotte Uhlenbroek said: “Opinion polls have proven that there is huge public desire for more to be done to tackle wildlife crime here. For most, there is a sense of wonder and peace associated with the native wild animals that we are lucky to see in this country. I firmly believe that wildlife crime should not be overlooked or underestimated at a domestic level.”
For the report in full visit the WAP website.
