Is the UK wildlife being failed by the legal system?

There is no shortage of criminal activity in the natural world – and it shows no sign of letting up. Criminals who inflict immense suffering on wild animals, such as beating to death, poisoning, or smuggling across borders illegally, are evading justice and penalties in the UK, according to a new wildlife crime report.

An in-depth study commissioned by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), an overwhelming support for wildlife crime to be taken seriously, with the British public unanimously (97%) of the opinion that those who torture or abuse wild animals should be punished.

Moreover, research carried out by YouGov on behalf of the charity highlights 80% of the general public believe that people who illegally trafficked wild animals (81%) or tortured them (85%) should be given a prison sentence. In addition, 92% are in support of the government setting up a formal reporting system to record wildlife crime.

Aston spoke to Matt Collis, deputy vice president for policy at International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) & Prof Angus Nurse, professor of law and enviromental justice at Angela Ruskin University.