Scottish Liberal Democrat Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary Mike Rumbles MSP has called on the Scottish Government to focus on strengthening the enforcement of the wildlife legislation implemented by the previous Scottish Executive.

According to the RSPB, Scotland has some of the strongest wildlife protection laws in Europe, but official figures published today show that illegal poisoning of wildlife has reached record levels.

Commenting, Mr Rumbles said:

“My Liberal Democrat colleague Ross Finnie enacted some of the strongest wildlife protection laws in Europe.

“I am, however, concerned that these laws are not being used effectively to deter those intent on causing criminal harm to wildlife in Scotland. The figures published today show an alarming and distressing number of animals have been deliberately poisoned.

“Scottish Ministers must strengthen the enforcement of existing legislation to protect Scotland’s wildlife.”