Grapevine

New report shows wildlife criminals in UK 'getting away with it'

A new study led by an Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) expert has revealed alarming shortcomings in the UK's efforts to prosecute wildlife criminals.

The report System set to fail—prosecuting wildlife crime, reveals that despite widespread public demand for strict penalties, many perpetrators escape justice due to systemic failures. The study was conducted by Angus Nurse, Professor of Law and Environmental Justice at ARU and Nadine Harding from the University of Gloucestershire.

Commissioned by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the report offers a comprehensive analysis of the obstacles faced by those on the front line of wildlife law enforcement. Professor Nurse, an expert in environmental justice, led a team of criminologists in compiling first-hand accounts from police officers, legal professionals, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Their findings describe a legal system struggling to handle the growing threat of wildlife crime.

The report highlighted the significant challenges facing enforcement agencies, including a lack of resources, inadequate training, and inconsistent evidence-gathering procedures.

The report's release coincides with a YouGov poll that shows overwhelming public support for harsher penalties against wildlife criminals, with 97% of respondents saying that those who torture wild animals should face punishment, and 92% supporting the establishment of a formal reporting system for wildlife crimes.