Chair: Mark Jones, Born Free Foundation
Vice Chair: Peter Charleston, Bat Conservation Trust
Policy and Campaigns Manager: Emma Pereira, Link
Recording Wildlife Crime
One of the Group’s key work areas is to advocate for wildlife crime to be recordable in the UK. Tackling wildlife crime in the UK is not afforded the prioritisation and resources that it deserves, partly due to a lack of understanding of the scale of wildlife crime in the UK.
The Group has commissioned a report investigating the issue of wildlife crime in England and Wales. The aim is to make a strong and robust case to Government to show that wildlife crime is a major issue. The final report is expected in the coming months, and the Group is currently developing a strategy for engaging with relevant officials and decision-makers to progress this campaign.
Sentencing Guidelines
The Group met with the Sentencing Council in June to discuss effective sentencing guidelines for those that commit crimes against wildlife. Members are advocating for the inclusion of wildlife crime in the Sentencing Council’s workplan, in order to establish new clear, up-to-date and deterrent sentencing guidelines for those that commit crimes against wildlife.
Brexit
The Group has been identifying the opportunities and challenges for wildlife post-Brexit, with particular reference to wildlife crime and trade. Members are working across Link’s groups to ensure Brexit does not result in reduced protections for wildlife.
For further information, contact Emma Pereira, Link’s Policy and Campaigns Manager.
Last updated: 03 July 2017
