“Landowners and gamekeepers suspected of the illegal persecution of birds of prey are to face new sanctions.

In future, they could lose licences which enable them to shoot or trap other species such as crows or pigeons.

Licences are currently issued to land managers who wish to control birds deemed harmful to livestock or crops.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) said such licences would no longer apply where police showed evidence of wildlife crime.

Decisions to withhold licences would be based on a civil, rather than criminal, standard of proof.”

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Source: BBC News