Wildlife crime penalties: consultation

Annex B:

Consultation Questions

Respondents should take into consideration the information provided in this document alongside any other knowledge or personal experiences that could be relevant. All opinions are welcome.

You are invited to answer all the questions. However, if you are unable to answer any question then please feel free to move on to the next.

If you intend to email or post your consultation response please ensure you complete a Respondent Information Form (Annex A). This will ensure that if you ask for your response not to be published that we regard it as confidential and will treat it accordingly.

Sector and Origin

It would be helpful for our analysis if you could indicate which of the sectors you most align yourself/your organisation with for the purpose of this consultation 

(Please tick ONE which is MOST APPLICABLE to you):

Non-Government Organisation ☐
Enforcement agency/officer ☐
Animal Welfare Organisation ☐
Member of the General Public ☐
Local Authority ☐
Rural business/Organisation ☐
Conservation interest/Organisation ☐
Land management interest/Organisation ☐
Veterinary profession ☐

Other (please specify)

Question 1:

The Scottish Government proposes that the maximum penalties for some wildlife offences, for example the injuring or un-licensed killing or taking of wild animals should be strengthened. Do you agree? 

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Don’t Know

Please explain the reasons for your answer

Question 2: 

Do you agree that the maximum prison sentence available for some wildlife offences, for example the injuring or un-licensed killing, or taking of wild animals, should be increased to five years imprisonment?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Don’t Know

Please explain the reasons for your answer

Question 3: 

Do you agree that the upper limit on fines for some wildlife offences, for example the injuring or un-licensed killing, or taking of wild animals, should be unlimited?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Don’t Know

Please explain the reasons for your answer

Question 4: 

Do you agree that the maximum prison sentence available for other wildlife offences including the disturbance of animals or damage of nests/shelters should be increased to twelve months imprisonment?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Don’t Know

Please explain the reasons for your answer

Question 5: 

Do you agree that the upper limit on fines for other wildlife offences including the disturbance of animals or damage of nests/shelters should be increased to £40,000?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Don’t Know

Please explain the reasons for your answer

Question 6: 

Do you agree that the statutory time limit for wildlife crime offences that may be prosecuted under summary procedure only, e.g. the intentional or reckless taking, damage or destruction of nests under section 1(1)(b) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, should be increased to six months from which sufficient evidence came to the knowledge of the prosecutor, but no more than three years from the date of the offence?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Don’t Know

Please explain the reasons for your answer

Question 7: 

Do you agree that we should allow some wildlife offences, for example the injuring or un-licensed killing, or taking of wild animals, to be tried under solemn proceedings before a jury in court?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Don’t Know

Please explain the reasons for your answer

Question 8: 

Please use this question to provide any other commentary or observations you have on the proposal to increase the available penalties for wildlife crimes.

Please explain the reasons for your answer and what you would propose.

Evaluation

Please help us improve our consultations by answering the questions below. (Responses to the evaluation will not be published).

Question 9: 

How satisfied were you with this consultation?

Very dissatisfied ☐
Slightly dissatisfied ☐
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied ☐
Slightly satisfied ☐
Very satisfied ☐

Please enter comments here

Question 10: 

How would you rate your satisfaction with using this platform (Citizen Space) to respond to this consultation?

Very dissatisfied ☐
Slightly dissatisfied ☐
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied ☐
Slightly satisfied ☐
Very satisfied ☐
Not applicable ☐

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