Calls to End Bird Shooting Industry

Britain is a proud nation of animal lovers. I know people around the country care deeply about this issue and it is important to manage our environment in a way that protects wildlife, the environment itself and the people who live in these areas.

I was delighted to see the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) act on ammunition, banning shot containing more than 1% lead and bullets with a lead content of more than 3%. Beyond some limited exemptions, these bullets will no longer be available to the public. Lead ammunition, as you may know, contributes to river pollution and impacts our majestic bird pollution. This ban on lead will help reverse this – rejuvenating pride in our countryside by protecting precious birdlife and cleaning up rivers.

I, and our Government, are committed to maintaining and improving animal welfare and want to work closely with the farming sector to deliver high standards. I am aware Defra are carefully considering the use of cages and closed confinement systems for gamebirds.

I also understand that our Government commissioned a risk assessment looking at the impact gamebird releases have on transmission of avian flu in wild birds. This research has informed disease control measures and gamebirds are not allowed to be released in any avian flu disease control zone, or prevention zone, to protect wild birds.

Bird of prey crime is a national wildlife crime priority, and something I know Defra takes incredibly seriously. There are strong penalties in place for anyone found guilty, including unlimited fines and/or a six-month custodial sentence. I know further funding has been provided to the National Wildlife Crime Unit to prevent and detect wildlife crime.

I know this topic evokes strong emotions, from both sides of the debate. I recognise it may come as a disappointment, and it was disappointing to me too, but I understand the Government has no plans to ban shooting at the moment. I can assure you that the issue is being kept under close review, and the Government will continue to work to achieve a sustainable outcome for our landscapes, to recover our environment and wildlife, and to protect the interests of people and the rural economy.