§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what penalties are available for someone caught dealing in the rare wildlife trade; and what plans she has to increase penalties. [72529]
§ Mr. MeacherPeople found guilty of trading in wildlife specimens protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 can be fined up to £5,000 and/or imprisoned for up to six months. These higher penalties were introduced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and there are no plans to increase them further.
Offences under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 (COTES) are currently punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 and/or up to three months imprisonment if tried in a Magistrates' Court, and an unlimited fine and/or up to two years imprisonment at Crown Court. These penalties are being considered as part of the current review of the COTES Regulations.