NGO Speaks About the Cost of Poaching at Police Seminar

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Members of the rural community joined representatives from the British Deer Society, Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, Trading Standards, the South West Crown Prosecution Service and the National Gamekeepers' Organisation, at the Dorset Studio School on the Kingston Maurward College campus.

Terry Cooper, of the Wessex Branch of the British Deer Society, organised the event. He said: “We arranged the seminar for members of the rural community who have been or may be affected by the issue of poaching, including farmers, land owners and rural business owners.

“It was a valuable opportunity for people to express concerns and hear how the response to poaching is moving forward. It showcased how organisations are working together, alongside the public, to establish a consolidated approach to tackling rural crime.”

The event was chaired by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Colin Pipe. He commented: “This event was an extremely worthwhile exercise for all those who have a connection with the issue of poaching. The more input we have, the more we can address the issues facing our rural communities.

“Part of my responsibilities as Deputy PCC is to improve public satisfaction and ensure our communities are receiving the best possible service. This seminar was one way to share the work currently underway and to consult the public on what they would like to see in the future.”

Tim Weston, of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, gave a sobering presentation on: ‘The Cost of Poaching’. He discussed the significant economic impact that poaching has on rural livelihoods and the misconception that poaching incidents have little consequences for landowners. He said: “Poaching can be seen as a victimless crime – it is not.

“Aside from the financial damage, gamekeepers and farmers are regularly faced with intimidation and threats of violence on their own land when confronting poachers.

“There can be a romanticised view of poachers, taking small amounts of stock with little overall impact to land owners: the reality is that poaching is often violent and sinister.

“Poachers have little or no care of what or how they kill.”