Scottish Government Response to Taskforce Report on SSPCA Powers - Scottish Government
In response to the independent Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) Taskforce report, the Scottish Government is proposing to bring forward provisions to allow for a limited extension of the Scottish SPCA’s current powers to investigate wildlife crime.
Announcing the new measures, Environment Minister Gillian Martin said: “Following consideration of the SSPCA Taskforce’s report, I can announce that I will be bringing forward provisions in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill to allow for a limited extension of the SSPCA’s current powers to investigate wildlife crime. The powers will allow the SSPCA to - in certain circumstances - search, examine and seize evidence in connection with specified wildlife crime offences. We will be consulting with key stakeholders on the proposals over the summer. I would like to thank those involved for their consistent hard work and diligence throughout this process.”
Our proposal is to provide SSPCA inspectors with additional powers to search, examine and seize evidence in connection with specified wildlife crime offences under Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and certain offences in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill 2023. In addition to the additional training requirements, protocols will be established between the SSPCA and Police Scotland to ensure effective partnership working.
This has been a long-running issue and we believe that the approach we are proposing represents a balanced compromise. It will allow SSPCA inspectors who are already on the spot, investigating potential animal welfare offences under their existing powers, to seize and secure evidence of related wildlife crimes without delay and potential loss of that evidence. The proposal would not however lead to SSPCA becoming an alternative wildlife crime enforcement agency. Police Scotland would retain primacy as the enforcement body for all wildlife crime and the public should continue to report those crimes to Police Scotland.