Crackdown call over illegal sale of wildife items on the internet

Local & National

Friday, April 27, 2007

By Linda McKee

The illegal selling of wildlife items on the internet is proving to be a major problem in Northern Ireland, according to the PSNI's new Wildlife Liaison Officer.

Speaking at her first public engagement in the three weeks since starting the post, Emma Meredith said she has been inundated with questions about illegal selling on the internet, badger baiting and dog fighting.

And she called on the wildlife and countryside organisations gathered at Stormont for the launch of the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) to play their part in reporting incidents. Wildlife groups and country sports groups will join forces to combat offences against wildlife in the new group.

"The PSNI is aware that there is a perception that incidence of wildlife crime are lower in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the UK. Wildlife crime is taken seriously by the PSNI," Ms Meredith said.

"But the PSNI has expectations of you - that as soon as anybody comes into contact with wildlife crime, to report it as soon as possible to the PSNI.

"I cannot stress the importance of this unified approach enough. I want to highlight that we as a team should look at the experiences of PAW in England, Scotland and Wales and southern Ireland.

"In the brief few weeks I've been in my post, I've had a lot of questions already about people selling illegal items on the internet, persecution of birds of prey, badger baiting, illegal traps and dog fighting.

"Dog fighting can progress into the likes of badger baiting and badger hunting with dogs."

Ms Meredith is from a wildlife background, having worked with the Environment and Heritage Service and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Castle Espie.

"I believe that education is vital. When I say education I am not just talking about young children, but also adults and various organisations. I think people are reasonably sympathetic in a way," she said.

"The only message here is that this key partnership is vital. It's the first time all these organisations have come together - British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the League Against Cruel Sports, the RSPB and so on. I am really excited about this partnership and I am very proud to be a part of it."

PAW won't be "dominated by birds" and she urged ordinary people to take action when they become aware of crimes."

"Wildlife is general. The group can look at angling, anything under the legislation, wild birds of course," she said. "In the past few weeks the issue of recording has been brought up by numerous people - on recording what's happening out there.

"A lot of people seem to be aware of issues happening in their local area or down the road, but when I ask the question, 'Did you contact the local police station?' they say, 'I didn't see the point'."