Statistics detailing the rise of crimes against animals in Courier Country have been described as “alarming”.
Concerns arose as a Courier investigation into the number of reported crimes against animals across Tayside, Fife and Central Scotland’s policing areas found 206 instances of cruelty over the last five years of which 89 escaped detection.
The new figures obtained under Freedom of Information legislation revealed notable instances in the former Central Scotland area.
These included extensive unauthorised use of snaring and the set-up of an electrical device for killing or stunning wild birds.
In Tayside, two non-native beavers were released and there were 49 cases in Fife of cruelty to dogs.
About 90 cases of cruelty to animals were recorded in the Fife area between April 2009 and the same month last year, followed by Central Scotland with 90 and Tayside with 26.
Scottish SPCA deputy chief superintendent Tom Gatherer said wildlife crime continues to cause his colleagues “great concern”.
He added: “We have received many reports of incidents across the length and breadth of the country ranging from badger baiting and deer and hare coursing to finch trapping and bird poisoning.
“Working with the police and other agencies we have successfully prosecuted a number of people for wildlife crimes.”
He continued: “Every year we are seeing an increase in the number of calls to our animal helpline.
“The vast majority of callers report cruelty cases, animals in distress or seek welfare advice.
“It is encouraging that people are becoming more aware as preventing cruelty to animals is at the heart of our work.
“This is why we’re investing heavily in our free education programme for Scottish schools, which reached over 300,000 children last year.”
The police have vowed to crack down on cruelty against wild and domestic animals. Members of the Grampian branch of Partnership Against Wildlife Crime met in Aberdeenshire and vowed to hit back against those involved in crimes against animals.
The group is a local collaboration between Police Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates and the Scottish Government.
Inspector Colin Mowat, chairman of the PAW steering group, said: “The north east enjoys vibrant and diverse wildlife.
“This is a privilege and one we do not take for granted.
“Threats to our natural habitat through criminal activity and ignorance are not acceptable.”