22
Aug
New laws to protect animals and habitats
Tougher laws to protect animals and their habitats come into force this week.
Britain has strengthened legislation through the Habitats Regulations and new Offshore Marine Conservation Regulations to fall into line with EU laws.
Dolphins, marine turtles and otters are included on the list of European Protected Species who will benefit.
The new laws mean that offenders will no longer be able to claim incidental damage as a defence if they are prosecuted.
The new Offshore Marine Conservation Regulations will extend protection to marine species, wild birds and habitats out to 200 nautical miles. A number of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas in the offshore area will be identified and protected.
Jon Abbatt of ADAS, said: ” People need to be aware of these changes. No longer will it prove an adequate defence to suggest that damage to any European protected species or their habitat was accidental, or due to lack of knowledge of the existence of a species on a specific site.”
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