Overview

The Seals (Protection) Bill aims to strengthen the legal protection of seals in England, Wales, and Scotland by amending the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It makes the intentional or reckless disturbance or harassment of seals a specific criminal offence.

Description

This Bill amends the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to explicitly include seals (all species) as protected animals. Specifically:

• Section 1(2): Adds seals to the list of animals whose intentional or reckless disturbance is an offence.
• Section 1(3): Adds "Pinnipedia" (the scientific order for seals) to Schedule 5 of the 1981 Act, which lists protected animals.
• Section 2: Specifies the Bill's extension to England, Wales, and Scotland and sets a commencement date of 90 days after it becomes law.

Government Spending

The Bill doesn't directly specify any government spending. The enforcement of the new offence might lead to increased costs for agencies responsible for wildlife crime investigation and prosecution, but no figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Seals: The Bill offers increased protection, making the intentional or reckless disturbance or harassment of seals illegal.
• Wildlife enforcement agencies: These agencies (e.g., police, wildlife trusts) will be responsible for enforcing the new law, potentially increasing their workload and requiring additional resources.
• Individuals and groups interacting with seals (e.g., boat operators, researchers, tourists): They must ensure their activities don’t disturb or harass seals; they may face prosecution if they violate the law.

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