NGO Examines Law Review

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The National Gamekeepers' Organisation (NGO) is investigating possible impacts on gamekeeping and shooting of legal reforms suggested this week by the Law Commission.

The Commission has published a 185-page consultation paper following an 18-month review of all wildlife laws in England and Wales.

It suggests, among many other changes, a single Act of Parliament to replace the current multitude of laws, a redefinition of poaching with tougher penalties, and a new right of appeal when someone's application for a wildlife management licence gets turned down.

The NGO, which has held several meetings with the Law Commission during its recent work said:

"The suggestions made are far reaching and require careful analysis as to their potential impact but in general we welcome the initiative.

" Wildlife law is undoubtedly far too complex, inflexible and illogical and the Commission's consultation paper appears to ask the right questions, suggesting a new, modern legal framework.

"We will now be studying the detail and will make a full published response, on behalf of our members, before the consultation closes on 30 November."

Governments are not obliged to respond to the Law Commission's work but they usually do. A new draft Bill incorporating their suggestions is therefore likely to be published in 2014 for consideration by Parliament.