Powers to control or eradicate invasive plants and animal species – such as Japanese knotweed or parakeets – should be given to government departments and environment protection authorities, the Law Commission has recommended.
The body which reviews the effectiveness of legislation in England and Wales says it has identified a gap in existing regulations designed to protect the biodiversity of native wildlife.
In a report published on Tuesday, the commission says that invasive, non-native species, which often arrive through human action, can cause significant environmental and economic damage.
Existing laws do not contain sufficient powers to defend ecosystems and prevent destruction of property and infrastructure, the report warns.
Guardian: Law Commission says powers needed to curb non-native plants and animals
Law Commission: Wildlife Law - Control of Invasive Non-native Species
Comments
"People who try to stop officials exterminating “invasive species” such as parakeets, ruddy ducks and Japanese knotweed on their property should face a prison sentence, under proposals drawn up by the Law Commission."
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/government-could-fo...