Written Question · S5W-35899 · Session 5
How much (a) it and (b) NatureScot has spent on legal costs since 2016 to defend the right to kill beavers.
The question
To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) it and (b) NatureScot has spent on legal costs since 2016 to defend the right to kill beavers.
The answer
The Scottish Government and NatureScot have not incurred any legal costs since 2016 defending ‘the right to kill beavers’.
Since 1 May 2019, beavers have had European Protected Species status and, as such, there is no right to kill beavers in Scotland. The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 set out the circumstances in which licences may be granted to allow management of beavers, including lethal control for specified purposes. NatureScot is the licensing authority for the management of beavers in Scotland and may issue licences for the purposes set out in the 1994 regulations.
Since 1 May 2019, beavers have had European Protected Species status and, as such, there is no right to kill beavers in Scotland. The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 set out the circumstances in which licences may be granted to allow management of beavers, including lethal control for specified purposes. NatureScot is the licensing authority for the management of beavers in Scotland and may issue licences for the purposes set out in the 1994 regulations.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-35899 by reference.