petition outcome:
Grant protected status to the British Primitive goats in Scotland
"It is tragic to see conservationists managing ecosystems for human targets, and not the animals that rely on them. In my opinion, this is rather missing the point of conservation". (Kate Fox, founder of Verify Humanity)
Regrettably, it is not illegal to shoot British primitive goats in Scotland. Due to animal welfare concerns, this petition was created to grant protection to these goats, and it was discussed at The Scottish Parliament. However, this discussion lasted a mere six minutes.
Surveys conducted found that the general public agreed further research is needed into the positive and negative ecological impacts and biology of wild goats, but overall, wild goats are deserving of the same protection as species such as wild deer.
GOVERNMENT POSITION
The Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 states that wildlife species are eligible for full legal protection if they are both endangered and native to Great Britain.
Scotland’s feral goats aren’t considered to be native to the UK, and so are not eligible for legal protection. Though there was some argument that these goats were distinctly native, the government conclusively made the disappointing decision to close this petition.
Maurice Golden MSP stated that “Ultimately, the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee decided that the precious little animals required no additional protection....we do not have a choice other than to, unfortunately, close the petition down”.
After the petition failed, a closed hunting season was sought through a consultation.
VERIFY HUMANITY'S RESPONSE
Whilst Verify Humanity strives for all species to be given equal protection and recognise that a closed hunting season is better than full legalised hunting, we don’t support a closed hunting season, as we don’t support hunting under any circumstances.
Valid arguments in support of this petition were given, such as that of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service who suggested that goat grazing could have positive effects on the control of wildfires.
Jackson Carlaw (MSP) conceded that locals would not be satisfied with the failure of Mr Moffat's petition. We are hopeful that the government’s decision will be reconsidered.