Wildlife crime cases up almost 40% this year

The unlawful burning of vegetation within the restricted period is included as a wildlife crime. File picture: Andy Gibson

Prosecution cases for wildlife crimes — like illegal hunting and vegetation burning — increased by 39% in 2023, according to new National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) data.

And record fines, some as high as €31,000, have been imposed for offences against nature in the 112 successful prosecutions closed by NPWS since 2020.

Some 43 prosecution cases were initiated by NPWS in 2023 for alleged breaches of wildlife legislation according to data from the new Wildlife Enforcement and Nature Protection Directorate within the NPWS.

Wildlife crimes reported include disturbance of bats, illegal hunting (such as hare lurching), badger digging, damage to Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), unlawful destruction of vegetation in hedgerows and unlawful burning of vegetation within the restricted period.

A 39% increase in subsequent prosecution cases for breaches of the Wildlife Acts, from 30 in 2022 to 43 in 2023, were submitted by NPWS staff to the Chief States Solicitor’s Office.

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“NPWS staff work throughout the country to address wildlife crime and enforcement," Minister for Nature, Heritage, and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD said. "This issue is being taken very seriously by the State, as we have seen through increasing fines and convictions.

“Legislation and regulations help to protect our biodiversity, health and our future, and we must all adhere to them.

“Citizen reporting is an essential element in safeguarding nature and to help prevent wildlife crime. I would call on anyone who witnesses wildlife crime to get in touch with the NPWS or An Garda Siochána.” 

Some of the successful cases taken by the NPWS for crimes against nature have seen a conviction and fine for the destruction of badger sett; damage caused on a Special Area of Conservation saw a company convicted and fined €8,000. 

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In another prosecution, a company was found guilty of multiple breaches of the Birds and Habitats regulations and issued €31,000 in fines, and 11 convictions were imposed.

Niall O’Donnchú, Director General of the NPWS said: “NPWS’s work in detecting, preventing and enforcing wildlife crime is being strengthened through the recruitment of additional NPWS staff on the ground, along with training and other support for staff involved in this work and by enhanced co-operation with other enforcement authorities.

"NPWS works closely with An Garda Síochána who have powers and functions to enforce wildlife legislation similar to NPWS authorised officers."