Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011

26 Deer management etc.

(1) The 1996 Act is amended as follows.

(2) In section 1 (SNH’s deer functions)—

(a) in subsection (1)(a), for “conservation,” substitute “conservation of deer native to Scotland, the”,

(b) in subsection (2)—

(i) the word “and” immediately after paragraph (b) is repealed,

(ii) after paragraph (c) insert—

“(d) the interests of public safety; and

(e) the need to manage the deer population in urban and peri-urban areas.”.

(3) In section 3 (power of SNH to facilitate exercise of functions)—

(a) in subsection (1)—

(i) the word “and” immediately after paragraph (a) is repealed,

(ii) after paragraph (b) insert “; and

(c) to assist any person or organisation in reaching agreements with third parties,”,

(b) after subsection (2) insert—

“(3) A public body or office-holder issued guidance or advice under subsection (1)(a) must have regard to such guidance or advice in exercising any functions to which the guidance relates.”.

(4) In section 4(1) (appointment of panels), the words “, not exceeding nine,” are repealed.

(5) In section 18(2) (taking or killing at night), for paragraph (a) substitute—

“(a) the taking or killing is necessary—

(i) to prevent damage to crops, pasture, human or animal foodstuffs, or to woodland; or

(ii) in the interests of public safety; and”.