Construction firm fined over deaths of 150 bats
A construction firm in Scotland has been fined £17,000 for the reckless destruction of a colony of 150 soprano pipistrelle bats. The incident occurred during building works at a sheltered housing property in Dumfries and Galloway.
Why it matters
This case highlights the legal consequences for developers who fail to conduct proper ecological surveys and adhere to wildlife protection laws.
Image caption, A total of 150 bats died as a result of the construction firm's actions
A construction firm which admitted the reckless destruction of a colony of 150 bats has been fined £17,000.
Dumfries Sheriff Court heard that the soprano pipistrelle bats died when holes they were using to enter and exit their roost were blocked.
City Building (Glasgow) LLP carried out the building works at 1 Blacklocks Vennel in Lochmaben, Dumfries and Galloway, during the summer of 2023.
The court was told that it was the biggest case of its kind in Scotland, and one of the biggest in the UK.
Soprano pipistrelle bats are among the most common and widespread in the UK. They have brown fur, black wings and a black face.
Their head and body measures up to 4.5cm (1.7in) and they have a wingspan of up to 23cm (9in).
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