Wildlife Law - A Consultation Paper

Consultation Paper No 206

Author:

Law Commission

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £38.50

Larger image

'Wildlife Law - A Consultation Paper (Consultation Paper 206)' sets out proposals to reform the current law regulating wildlife which is out of date, confused and often contradictory. Spread over a collection of Acts dating back to 1831, much of the older legislation is out of step with modern requirements, and the principal modern Act (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) has been amended to such a degree that it is difficult for any non-specialists to use.

The original purpose of these laws was to govern activities such as hunting and fishing, including poaching, but over the years it has expanded to conserve certain species, ensure the welfare of wildlife and protect local biodiversity from invasive species. The Commission's proposals in this consultation aim to simplify the existing complex framework, introducing a single statute which covers the species-specific law on the conservation, protection and exploitation of wildlife.

The new regime would reduce the current dependency on criminal law, by allowing an appropriate mix of regulatory measures such as guidance, advice and a varied and flexible system of civil sanctions, such as fines and bans.

The Commission also suggests that the introduction of statutory factors could play a role in ensuring transparent decision-making, and improve the engagement of those representing competing interests.

New statutory factors would include:

(i) conservation of the species about which the decision is concerned;

(ii) preservation and conservation of biodiversity;

(iii) economic implications;

(iv) wider social factors; and

(v) the welfare of those animals potentially affected by the decision.

Extent	185 pages	ISBN	9780118405348
Size	A4	Price	£38.50
Format	Paperback	Published	14 Aug 2012
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges