shooting birds in a domestic garden....is it legal?

shooting birds in a domestic garden....is it legal?

Dear resident

Due to recent information received I thought I would pass some brief advice regarding the above subject.

Why shooting in a domestic garden is usually illegal

Even if a General Licence applies, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wild-birds-licence-to-kill-or-take-to-prevent-serious-damage-gl42/gl42-general-licence-to-kill-or-take-certain-species-of-wild-birds-to-prevent-serious-damage

shooting birds in a domestic garden is almost always unlawful because.

You must demonstrate a legally valid purpose (crop protection, public health, etc) - garden nuisance alone is not a valid reason.

You must follow every condition of the relevant General Licence, including species identification and proof of need.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, all wild birds, including pigeons. are protected. It is an offence to kill or injure them unless you are acting under the General Licence.

General Licence allows the control of certain species (including feral pigeons and woodpigeons) only for specific purposes, such as

Preventing serious damage to crops or livestock

Protecting public health (eg, disease rick)

Preventing disease spread.

In practice, a typical home garden cannot meet these requirements, making shooting of birds in a domestic garden effectively illegal.

Police Community Support Officer 17017

Costas Karpi

Rural & Wildlife Crime Officer, Uttoxeter District

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Costas Karpi
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, Uttoxeter)