OFFENDERS deliberately damaging breeding sites and “harassing” birds of prey could face longer jail sentences after the Scottish Government indicated more animal welfare crimes may face the maximum penalties.
Holyrood’s Environment Committee backed proposals to make possession of illegal pesticide subject to potentially unlimited fines and up to five years in prison and to also include legal protection for bees.
Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon also committed to working on an amendment that would see the intentional destruction of birds’ nests, eggs and badger setts included in the category subject to the highest level of punishments.
MSPs were considering amendments to the Animal and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill at its second stage. The proposed legislation increases the penalties for the worst animal welfare crimes, would enable emergency rehoming of pets, and introduce Finn’s Law to protect service animals.
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