LANDOWNERS can now face prosecution if their staff or contractors commit wildlife crime such as killing protected species of birds.
Parts of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act came into force yesterday, including a new offence of "vicarious liability" in relation to the persecution of wild birds.
It allows the prosecution of landowners or managers who fail to take steps to ensure their employees or contractors act within the law. The legislation also covers a new hare close season, changes to the Deer Act and tightening of the law on snaring.
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