New government inquiry into scale of wildlife crime in UK

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched a new inquiry into the scale of wildlife crime in the UK. The EAC, appointed by the House of Commons, is the select committee responsible for, amongst other things, monitoring environmental protection.

The new inquiry will examine the scale of wildlife crime in the UK, including damage and destruction to species and habitats. It will also examine the scale of, and risks posed by, the illicit trade in wildlife and wildlife products. The inquiry will consider the role of the Government and other bodies in England and Wales in preventing, detecting and prosecuting these types of crime, as well as what action the Government can take internationally to tackle the problems of illegal trade.

The inquiry will specifically examine:

• The scale of wildlife crime and its impacts, and how this has changed since the EAC’s 2004 report
• The extent to which UK legislation and regulations on wildlife crime are ‘fit for purpose’ and the penalties for offences are adequate
• How policing of wildlife crime is coordinated in the UK (between bodies and geographically) and whether enforcement bodies have sufficient resources and powers, and how the proposed National Crime Agency might affect policing of this type crime
• How well Government and responsible enforcement bodies are responding to newer threats and challenges, including use of the internet for wildlife trade
• How fully wildlife crimes are recorded, and how rigorously available penalties are applied
• How effectively behaviour-change and attitude-change is being promoted
• The UK’s role in influencing the EU and International agreement on illegal wildlife trade

The committee invites organisations and members of the public to submit written evidence, setting out their views on these issues. More wide ranging responses are also welcome. Submissions should ideally be sent to the Committee by Friday 24th February, although later submissions may be accepted.

For further details about the enquiry and to find out how to submit information, see here.