Enforcement
As with other crime, enforcement of the laws designed to protect wildlife lies with the police and the procurator fiscal. Where there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that an offence has taken place, the police have wide powers to stop and search people, to arrest people, to enter land, to seize evidence, and to gain entry to premises. These powers were further strengthened by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. Very substantial fines can be imposed on anyone found guilty of wildlife crimes and offenders may be sent to prison and their possessions confiscated.
If you see anything suspicious, for
example a protected bird that appears to have been poisoned or shot, you
should inform the police as soon as possible. You can dial 999 or
call your local police station. All police forces now have Wildlife
Crime Officers who co-ordinate the forces' response.
If you are nervous about approaching the police
yourself. You can also call the Crimestoppers
Trust: they will accept details of wildlife offences and pass them
to the relevant police forces. 0800 555 111. All calls to Crimestoppers are treated in
confidence; you do not have to give your details if you do not wish
to.
The Partnership
Against Wildlife Crime website has more information on how to
report a crime including a range of telephone numbers to
call.