New consultation launched to protect wild goats on Langholm Moor
TWGCT seeks fair treatment similar to deer management
There are fresh calls for increased protection for Scotland's wild goats, particularly on Langholm Moor, with the Wild Goat Conservation Trust (TWGCT) launching a new public consultation.
This comes after their initial petition was turned down at Holyrood, despite attracting thousands of signatures.
David Braithwaite, the organisation's Chairman, emphasised that while legislation for deer management in Scotland is comprehensive and addresses various concerns such as closed seasons during breeding periods, wild goats are not given similar protections.
“Scotland’s evolving legislation regulating the sustainable management of deer is well framed and considered, respecting the need for such things as closed seasons during sensitive breeding periods," he said.
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He highlighted the decline in the number of wild goat herds, attributing this reduction to unrestricted culling practices.
“There is little wonder that of the nearly 200 herds that existed in Scotland around 1900, there are only just over 40 left today!”
The draft petition seeks to establish a closed season for shooting wild goats and to regulate high-impact culling, aligning their management with that of native and non-native deer.
Dr Shirley Goodyer from the British Primitive Goat Research Group supported the initiative, stating that the difference in treatment between goats and deer lacks justification.
The consultation is widely accessible, targeting animal welfare organisations, nature conservation bodies, community groups, politicians, landowners, and other stakeholders to gather diverse and informed opinions.
Gail Brown, TWGCT Vice-Chair and Secretary, mentioned that the consultation is currently live on their website and has been sent to various key organisations and individuals.
She said: “We now have the consultation live on our website and are mailing out to a targeted group of organisations and individuals across a wide spectrum of interest who we believe can provide informed feedback that will help shape the final petition".
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The consultation will remain open until 30th June 2024, after which the petition will be submitted to the Scottish Parliament in July for consideration.
David Braithwaite voiced a strong belief in public support for the welfare of Scotland's wild goats, who are appreciated both locally and by visitors for their role in the ecosystem.
“The Scots quite rightly love their wild goats, as do visitors to Scotland. We acknowledge that some goat populations provide land managers with certain challenges but equally they can contribute to a healthy ecology.
"It is now time that these poor and historically persecuted animals are recognised as requiring the welfare standards that are granted to deer.
"This simply represents a fair deal, and we are certain that there is a groundswell of public opinion supporting this view,” he concluded.
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