Partnership Against Wildlife Crime
Dolphin Care UK becomes a Partner.
The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) was launched in 1995. All UK police forces are members of the Partnership, as are many organisations throughout the UK. Its objectives are to promote effective wildlife law enforcement nationally and internationally.
Whales, dolphins and porpoises (called cetaceans) which live off our coast's, have the protection of the law. As you can imagine this is difficult for the police to enforce, though luckily few crimes are committed against them. The main crime relates to people with speedboats and jet-skis chasing after them and harassing them.
This is an offence under the Countryside and Wildlife act of 1981.
The Partnership was launched in 1995 to bring together the Police, HM Customs and Excise, and representatives of Government Departments and voluntary bodies, with an interest in wildlife law enforcement. It is concerned with the enforcement of the controls on native species, as well as those covered by CITES. PAW provides a strategic overview of enforcement activity; it considers and develops responses to strategic problems; and looks at issues of strategic concern.
One of the main objectives of PAW is to support the UK networks of Police Wildlife Liaison Officers and Customs Wildlife and Endangered Species Officers. Almost all Police forces now have at least one Wildlife Liaison Officer, though many of them carry out these duties in addition to their other policing responsibilities. PAW also aims to draw attention to the growing problem of wildlife crime and to raise awareness of the need for tough enforcement action.
PAW was strengthened by restructuring in June 1998 to make it more effective; to provide clearer channels of communication; and to give a wider range of groups the opportunity to participate. PAW comprises an annual Open Seminar of all Partners; a Steering Group which meets about three times a year and is jointly chaired by the police and Defra; standing and temporary Working Groups taking forward the day-to-day work of PAW; and a Defra Secretariat.
What you can do.!
If you witness crimes against wildlife, report it to your local police station right away, do not delay.
If at the sea-side and you see anyone harassing marine Mammals report this also to your local police, or contact Dolphin Care UK.
Dolphin Care UK are proud to become a Partner against wildlife crime.
For more information about PAW click on the link below.