IRELAND

Calls for zero tolerance to wildlife crime

Senator Lynn Boylan made the call for a zero tolerance approach to wildlife crimes, such as disturbing bats, illegal hare hunting, badger baiting and the destruction of habitats.

SAT, 17 FEB, 2024 - 10:41
RAY RYAN

A zero-tolerance approach to wildlife crime has been sought following claims in the Senate that the State has failed to adequately enforce existing laws and policies to protect biodiversity.

Senator Lynn Boylan, who made the call, said wildlife crimes, such as disturbing bats, illegal hare hunting, badger baiting or the destruction of habitats that provide clean water, clean air and healthy soils, all contribute to biodiversity loss.

“Weak enforcement in this country is sending the clear message that wildlife crime is tolerated and is not taken seriously.

“Unfortunately, despite some high-profile cases of illegal wildfires and poisonings, there has been a failure to crack down on wildlife crime in any meaningful way,” she said.

Senator Boylan said records show that between 1977 and 1987, there were 752 cases, an average of 75 prosecutions per year.

However, only 118 wildlife crime cases have closed successfully since 2020, an average of 39.3 per year.

“This is a drop of 48% in prosecutions per year. This is not because the crimes are not happening, unfortunately,” she said.

Senator Boylan said the subject was not in the portfolio of Minister of State Mary Butler, who was scheduled to reply to the debate.

She said Minister Butler would more than likely cite a year-on-year increase of 39% from 2022 to 2023, which is up to 43 prosecutions.

“While that is a step in the right direction, we are starting from a very low level. This is, therefore, an example of shifting baseline syndrome,” she said.

She recalled that in the 1980s, a target of 200 was set for the number of prosecutions per year. It was not reached, given the average of 75.

Senator Boylan also noted that the recently launched national biodiversity action plan does not contain a specific target for prosecutions.

Instead, it just has the vague ambition to seek to increase compliance with wildlife legislation in cooperation with agencies through enhanced detection, enforcement and awareness raising.