In recent weeks two sheriffs (judges) in Scotland have expressed concerns that their sentencing powers are restricted when dealing with the perpetrators of horrific offences against wild mammals. Details of the cases are available here, here, here and here. There seems to be little point in the Scottish Government hugely increasing penalties for the most horrific wildlife crimes if there are other sentencing provisions in place that make them unlikely to be enforced. The time for fine words is past and action to ensure proper and proportionate punishment for such revolting crimes is long overdue. Action needs to be taken NOW! Alan Wilson was not just giving a ‘V sign’ to reporters, he was giving it to the whole Scottish criminal justice system.