BASC Scotland has uncovered misleading guidance in the consultation document for the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill.
The consultation states that ‘there have been three fatalities associated with deer stalking in the last four years’. BASC Scotland has investigated these claims and the Deer Commission for Scotland has now provided further guidance which states that ‘there have been three fatalities associated with the use of rifles in Britain in the last four years.’
Nicolle Upton, BASC Scotland’s press and policy officer, said: "BASC’s own research has now shown that the three fatalities referred to in the consultation document were not associated with deer stalking, deer stalkers or indeed Scotland. This means that the guidance given to the public in the consultation is misleading. The clarification now undermines the already weak evidence supporting the argument that deer stalking represents ‘a potential risk to public safety’.”
The bill is proposing to reform the current deer legislation including the removal of the male close season and mandatory testing for stalkers.
ENDS