Commentary on Sections Section 24 - Penalties
The maximum level of penalty for the majority of offences under the Wildlife Order is made the same. Provision is made to give the courts the power to impose custodial sentences up to a maximum of 6 months, except for some lesser offences.
Greater penalties apply to offences in connection with unlawful activity relating to the release, spread or sale of non-native invasive species.
The revised penalties do not apply to any offence committed before the provision comes into operation