SEBG News
Scottish Estates Support Crackdown on Wildlife Crime
10th September 2007The Scottish Estates Business Group (SEBG), which represents progressive rural estates throughout Scotland, today expressed its 'full support' for the Scottish Government's stance on wildlife crime following the publication of figures on the level of bird poisoning in Scotland.
Andrew Bruce Wootton, spokesman for SEBG, said:
"SEBG wholly endorses the Minister for Environment's pledge for a tougher stance on wildlife crime in Scotland. Crimes of this nature have absolutely no place in modern land management and any perpetrators should be punished in a manner that is appropriate to the offence but also acts as a deterrent to others.
"The overwhelming majority of estates, landowners, land managers and gamekeepers in Scotland operate to the highest standards in the stewardship of their estates and cases of wildlife crime are certainly the exception rather than the rule.
"Nevertheless, wildlife crime and, in particular, the poisoning of birds of prey, cannot be tolerated or excused. SEBG looks forward to working with the Minister and the Scottish Executive to ensure that wildlife crime is eradicated in Scotland and that best practice is adhered to rigorously and demonstrated clearly."
For further information:
Polly McPherson at SEBG 07810891831
Notes to editors
SEBG represents a group of progressive land-based estates with significant agricultural and rural business interests. It aims to promote a modern business approach in the management of Scotland's land resource in ways which deliver social, economic and environmental benefits. The Group seeks to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for rural areas and its members work hard across Scotland to stimulate enterprise and economic development.
