Natural Justice: A Joint Thematic Inspection of the Arrangements in Scotland for Preventing, Investigating and Prosecuting Wildlife Crime

The inspection focused on wildlife crime and its effect on the environment and did not extend into broader animal welfare issues. The definition of wildlife crime remains somewhat blurred; a matter that we comment further on in the 'Policy and Strategy' section of this report.

We did not look in detail at international models of combating wildlife crime. Evidence gathered led us to conclude early in the inspection process that sound and appropriate working structures already existed in some areas of Scotland. As such we felt that the greatest improvements achievable in the short to medium term would be derived from standardising these structures across Scotland.

Nevertheless, some practitioners were already looking beyond even these approaches to newer ways of working. We commend such innovative thinking. We anticipate that the strengthened national structures recommended in this report will provide the framework and support needed to secure this drive for continuous improvement.