Policing wildlife: the current state of wildlife law

While many campaigners argue for stronger wildlife laws and a more punitive regime,the reality is that wildlife laws are broadly sufficient, given their purpose as conservation rather than criminal justice legislation. However, analysis of the wildlife law enforcement regime in the UK reveals that in practice enforcement rather than legislative deficiencies are the problem. As a result, this paper argues that calls for tougher sentences to reduce wildlife crime are misplaced, as tougher laws and a more punitive legislative regime are unlikely to be effective without corresponding improvements in the enforcement regime. However inconsistency and confusion are rife in current wildlife laws. This paper also argues that there is scope to review wildlife legislation and produce consolidated legislation that could allow for more effective practical enforcement by addressing the ambiguous wording and different standards of wildlife protection that currently exists in UK law