Trading in endangered species laws

People convicted of trading in endangered species, their parts and their derivatives will face up to five years in prison under new laws introduced today.

The new laws, which come into effect on 21 July, will bring with them stronger powers for police officers in fighting wildlife crime, including powers of arrest, entry, search and seizure.

Biodiversity Minister Jim Knight, announcing the new penalties at Bristol Zoo today, said: "Species like the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, many birds of prey, some varieties of orchid, and many other animals and plants are under threat from the illegal trade.

"The legislation I am introducing today will send a strong message to those people who are plundering the world's rarest wildlife, that their activities will not be tolerated.

"The five-year maximum penalty is needed by the Courts to ensure they can properly punish the very small number of people who are systematically exploiting our wildlife, in some cases for very significant financial gain.

"As well as being a significant penalty for those who break the law, the possibility of five years in prison will be an important deterrent to potential wildlife criminals."

A Statutory Instrument laid today amends the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997, by increasing the penalties for illegally selling, buying, advertising and displaying for commercial purposes (and other related activities) species listed in Annex A of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation.

The new penalties and police powers will apply in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Parallel provisions are being introduced in Scotland.

At present, Magistrates Courts can imprison people for up to three months; and Crown Courts - two years. These terms are being increased to six months and five years respectively.