Consultation opens on licences to take wild birds

Changes proposed to general licences "to make them fit for purpose"

News, 5 January 2007

New proposals to reduce and simplify licences governing the taking of wild birds are out for consultation from today.

Exemptions to the legal protections covering wild birds are contained in a series of "general licences". General licences allow individuals to take certain strictly controlled actions against birds which cause, or may cause significant problems, such as gulls, pigeons or crows, without having to make a specific application to Scottish Ministers.

General licences are also issued to permit the buying and selling of ornamental wildlife and show birds, and to allow vets and certain other specified people to look after sick and injured birds.

Views are being sought on proposed changes to the current 23 licences to make them fit for purpose.

Anyone taking such action against birds without holding a licence could be subject to prosecution.

The consultation, which runs until 5 April 2007, can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/01/04143731/0.