A manifesto for wildlife law reform: assessing the Law Commission’s proposals for wildlife law reform

This article assesses the Law Commission's proposals for wildlife law reform in England and Wales which seek to simplify and consolidate wildlife law into a single integrated wildlife management bill.
The article identifies that while there is general agreement that there are inconsistencies and loopholes contained within UK wildlife law it is often in its enforcement that problems are experienced rather than the legislation itself presenting the main difficulties.
The article concludes that while the Law Commission takes a pragmatic approach to wildlife law reform unless the specific nature of wildlife criminality and enforcement problems are also addressed, the reforms may improve UK wildlife law but ultimately prove ineffective.

Publisher grants permission for article to be stored in institutional repository and accessed by public. Full text of journal is now available online at the ALAW website,

Journal of Animal Welfare Law, Autumn 2012/Winter 2013