Change to the law on bird pest control

Janne

Sent off - Not allowed to play
Feb 10, 2016
12,330
2,297
Grand Cayman, Norway, Sweden
It 'was' legal to shoot them. Now it is not. Now you need to apply for a new permit, before you shoot, if I have understood.

In my job, I have to follow a bunch of stupid laws too, so I understand the frustration you farmers feel.
 

MinTheLab

Member
Feb 24, 2019
31
16
49
A farm in Nottinghamshire
It 'was' legal to shoot them. Now it is not. Now you need to apply for a new permit, before you shoot.

Ah I see Sir

The general licence is revoked, so it’s not legal to use the GL to control birds other than corvids.

Bird control can be carried out regardless of the GL, this is what makes a joke of the Natural England ‘rules’.
 

Fadcode

Full Member
Feb 13, 2016
2,857
895
Cornwall
Ah I see Sir

The general licence is revoked, so it’s not legal to use the GL to control birds other than corvids.

Bird control can be carried out regardless of the GL, this is what makes a joke of the Natural England ‘rules’.

I am not sure you can use the GL to get rid of all corvids, there are now restrictions, the quicker they get this mess sorted out the better, you need to understand Chris Packham this is a man who had to undergo therapy for 2 years when his dog died, God knows what happens to him when he sees roadkill., and he calls himself a naturalist but doesn't understand nature, and the circle of life.
 

Broch

Life Member
Jan 18, 2009
8,461
8,336
Mid Wales
www.mont-hmg.co.uk
It's even more complicated than that really! I believe that the part of the Agriculture Act of 1947 that "allows the Government to issue notices requiring any person to take whatever steps necessary for the killing, taking or destruction of specified animals or birds on their land" is still law. Those birds include Crow and Wood Pigeon - in other words, as a landowner, you can be required to kill and any failure to do so can result in a fine!

I'm not convinced it's as simple as 'accepting the fine' for killing pigeon without a general licence - there's a danger that someone can start criminal proceedings and we don't want people going to court on a firearms related offence because the 'system' is wrong. I really don't think anyone should be encouraging 'breaking the law' until it's sorted or, at the very least, we understand the consequences.

Any 'land law' specialist solicitors please advise (without liability :) )
 
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Broch

Life Member
Jan 18, 2009
8,461
8,336
Mid Wales
www.mont-hmg.co.uk
I am not sure you can use the GL to get rid of all corvids, there are now restrictions, the quicker they get this mess sorted out the better, you need to understand Chris Packham this is a man who had to undergo therapy for 2 years when his dog died, God knows what happens to him when he sees roadkill., and he calls himself a naturalist but doesn't understand nature, and the circle of life.

I'm sorry Fadcode. I don't agree with a lot that Chris Packham says but he does fully understand the circle of life, he's a very intelligent naturalist, and he is often quoted as saying people are too soft on the realities of nature - especially when it comes to life and death. I think to insult his intelligence or suggest his mental illness makes him less capable of understanding is losing the argument and beneath us.
 

Fadcode

Full Member
Feb 13, 2016
2,857
895
Cornwall
I'm sorry Fadcode. I don't agree with a lot that Chris Packham says but he does fully understand the circle of life, he's a very intelligent naturalist, and he is often quoted as saying people are too soft on the realities of nature - especially when it comes to life and death. I think to insult his intelligence or suggest his mental illness makes him less capable of understanding is losing the argument and beneath us.
Well that's a matter of opinion, I cant understand a naturalist owning a zoo ( or having a partner who does), animals should be free in their own environment,not stuck in cages even if it is called conservation,for convenience.
 

Woody girl

Full Member
Mar 31, 2018
4,795
3,741
66
Exmoor
DEFRA are back in control and have reinstated the licences. Natural england u turn. Can't post links but it's just come up in my news feed on my phone from the The telegraph newspaper.
 
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daveO

Native
Jun 22, 2009
1,459
525
South Wales
So Michael Gove gets to come to the rescue. I'm sure that will put him in the good books with a few Tory party members just when they're wondering who to appoint to PM. Never mind the problem of the licences being illegally enforced when you run the shop.
 

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