The SNP Government is looking for your views as it considers tighter laws around grouse shooting in Scotland, in an effort to protect Scotland’s wildlife and environment.
The new proposals published for consultation will form a new Wildlife Management (Grouse Moor) Bill, which aims to ensure that grouse moors are managed in a sustainable way.
The Bill aims to implement the recommendations set out in the Werritty Review, an independent report which called for widespread changes to grouse moor management and the use of traps in Scotland.
The consultation seeks views on a wide range of topics related to wildlife including:
introducing a licensing scheme for grouse shooting
increased regulation of muirburn – the burning of vegetation to maintain moorland
banning the use of glue traps
increased regulation of other wildlife traps
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“Over a number of years, the SNP Government has introduced a wide range of measures to tackle wildlife crime including a poisons amnesty, restrictions on general licences and most recently, significant increases in penalties for wildlife crimes.
“Despite these measures, the persecution of raptors persists in Scotland. That is why the SNP Government has commissioned the independent Werritty Review and it will now move to implement its recommendations in full.
“Grouse moors must be managed in a sustainable and responsible way, ensuring minimal negative impact on other wildlife.
“If you have any views on this, please make them known by Thursday 08 December.”
The Werritty Review Report concerns the environmental impact of grouse moor management practices and advises on the option of licensing grouse shooting businesses.
ENDS
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