WILDLIFE crime in Dumfries and Galloway has risen, according to government figures.
The Scottish Government has released its annual on wildlife crime statistics. And whilst offences recorded in Scotland went down by nearly a quarter, Dumfries and Galloway has seen an increase.
The figures show that there were 14 wildlife offences committed in 2022-2023 – up from 11 in 2021-2022.
Of the those cases five were cruelty to wild animals, two involved birds and two were for fish poaching. There was also one case involving badgers, one involving deer and three other cases classed as ‘other conservation offences’.
The total Scottish figure fell from 286 offences to 220. Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “I am please to see a decrease of 23 per cent in recorded wildlife offences and extend my thanks to Police Scotland’s wildlife crime unit as well as our dedicated partner agencies who work together to bring perpetrators to justice.
“Despite the progress we must remain vigilant in tackling challenges of wildlife crime to protect put environment and the safeguard all Scotland’s species.”
