Wild fauna and flora (amended by Bonn Convention 1979) CITES
Bats
There are 17 bat species within the UK. They are European Protected Species.The legislation that is in place to protect bats and their places of roost across the British Isles is being flouted and poses a risk to these species. Each bat-related offence carries a potential fineof £5,000 per bat, up to 6 months imprisonment and is arrestable.
NWCU aims to assess bat-relatedcriminality and target any activity that illegally disturbs bats and their protected sites of location.NWCU has an officer in post to overview and co-ordinate Operation BAT. The scale of the problem of bat-related crime is currently being assessed.
Operation BAT is in place to contribute towards the favourable conservation status of all UK bat species by reducing bat-related crime. This will encourage: Prompt action to prevent bat crime happening in first place Promoting a good reaction from law enforcement
· Tackling deliberate disregard of the law · Deterring industry from bat-related crime and any disregard of legislation ·Ensuring compliance in protection of bats and roosts (particularly when involving rare or multiple species)
·Assess the progress of bat-related offences coming to course. Engagement between police, bat workers & Bat Conservation Trust, Crown Prosecution Service/Procurator Fiscal, local authorities, planners, the development sector, consultants and the general public to encourage good relationships to achieve these objectives.
Operation BAT was initially instigated in 2003 when the Joint Nature Conservation Committee helped the Association of Chief Police Officers establish a number of conservation priorities for wildlife crime enforcement - including offences against bats. Training and promotional material was produced.Relevant legislation and information on bats in general can be found from the Bat Conservation Trust
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