Laws covering pigeon shooting in the UK

My thanks to Zebani for the link to an article reporting the shooting of at least a dozen pigeons in Kettering, UK, and an appeal by the RSPCA for information leading to the conviction of the shooter:

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/local/corby/rspca_appeal_after_pigeons_are_shot_1_2714152

It is a little confusing, because the photo shows racing pigeons, commentators speak about ferals, and the RSPCA inspector mentioned 'wild birds' (wood pigeons, presumably).

The RSPCA inspector said:

Quote :

Anybody with any information is urged to contact the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999. It is an offence to injure or kill a wild bird under the Wildlife & Countryside Act and offenders can face a fine of up to £5,000 and six months’ imprisonment.

And one of the replies gave detailed information about the UK laws covering the shooting of pigeons (and a few other species). This I found of particular interest to our members, especially those in the UK, should they need to know where the law stands:

Quote :

It is illegal to shoot a gun within 50 feet of the centre line of a public highway in such a manner that it causes distress to anybody using that public highway. If nobody using that public highway hears or sees the gun being fired, then they cannot be caused distress. It is of course illegal to shoot a gun on the highway. An offence will also be committed if somebody shoots at a bird from within the bounds of land over which they have permission to shoot but which is on adjoining land, you cannot shoot a pigeon in your neighbours garden but you can shoot it in your own. It is also an offence if you shoot a bird in your garden and miss and the missile leaves the boundaries of your garden. The animal or bird needs to be on an approved list which both feral and wood pigeons are along with squirrels, rabbits rats, magpies to name a few and you have to be able to demonstrate good reason for shooting the bird or animal such as it is digging up your veg or attacking your pet guinea pig or whatever. If you can show a quantifiable loss that should suffice. Finally the minimum requirements really are a 12 ft lb air rifle, a less powerful air pistol will get you nicked for cruelty as it is not deemed capable of making a clean kill.

Yes, it is odd the telegraph chose to use racing pigeons as a photo since there are no shortage of pigeons to take pictures of around uk towns.

Some of the comments annoyed me about 'flying rats' but I could not remember my login for it to correct them on just how more filthy we humans are than the pigeons when it comes to carrying diseases.

Yes, that's exasperating, but that was only one comment (there's always one idiot!), and most of the others were quite balanced, considering. They agreed it was people's shortcomings that were attracting more pigeons to the area, because of food left littering the street and buildings with broken windows providing nesting sites.

What a terribly sad event to have taken place.

I honestly don't know how people who do things like that can wake up in the morning and look at themselves in the mirror with a clear conscience.

I'm a firm believer that the wrongdoers will eventually get their just dues.
And the sooner the better.

AZWhitefeather wrote:

What a terribly sad event to have taken place.

I honestly don't know how people who do things like that can wake up in the morning and look at themselves in the mirror with a clear conscience.

I'm a firm believer that the wrongdoers will eventually get their just dues.
And the sooner the better.