NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 11 November 2009b MURDO’S CONCERN AT WILDLIFE CRIME IN TAYSIDE Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has voiced his concern at the number of wildlife crimes taking place in Tayside, which saw 22 wildlife crimes in the area take place in 2008/09. The figures have been revealed by the Scottish Conservative through a parliamentary question to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill. See ‘notes to editors’ for full breakdown. Murdo wants to a reduction in the number of offences and wants constituents in Tayside to work with Tayside Police on the matter to reduce and end wildlife crimes in the area. Commenting, Murdo said: “In 2008/09 there were 22 wildlife crimes in Tayside, which is the third highest recorded year for wildlife crime in Tayside, with only 2002/03 and 2004/05 being higher. “Residents in Tayside will agree with me that wildlife crime is deplorable and disgusting and every effort must be taken to end this vile practice. The figures uncovered by the Scottish Conservatives show that we are some way off, with almost 400 wildlife crimes being reported in Scotland last year. “It is heartening that there appears to be a greater public awareness of and willingness to report wildlife crimes. Good people in Tayside will do all that they can to report and stop wildlife crime as it is our duty to protect animals from cruelty. “I am glad that Scotland has some of the strongest wildlife protection laws in Europe. I believe a nation can be measured by the way in which its animals are treated and protected. Our efforts should be primarily focused on ensuring the existing legislation is properly used and enforced. Whilst there may be a case for the tightening of existing legislation, it is the consistent enforcement of that existing legislation which is the real problem." ENDS   back to top of page