Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Description:
All naturally occurring wild birds in Great Britain are protected from persecution by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to kill, injure or ‘take’ any wild bird, take or damage the nest of any wild bird whilst in use or being built. The eggs of all wild birds are also protected. If you have in your possession any live wild birds, egg(s) or any part of a wild bird you are committing an offence. The birds listed in this Schedule are however exempt from the general provision of protection. Any person is able to sell live birds of species listed in Part 1 at any time provided they have been ringed and bred in captivity. Species listed in Part 2 can be sold dead at all times and those listed in Part 3 can only be sold dead between 1st September and 28th February. The sale, transport, possession or advertisement for sale of any wild bird other than those listed in Schedule 3 is illegal unless specifically authorised by licence from the from the Secretary of State.
Variations and amendment history:
Feral pigeon (Columbia livia) was removed from Part 2 in 1992/3 by The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (Variation of Schedules 2 & 3) order 1992
Related Sections:
6,22.
