What animals are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act?
What animals are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act?
All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law and it is thus an offence, with certain exceptions (see Exceptions), to:
- Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird.
- Intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.
How does the Wildlife and Countryside Act protect animals?
In short, the act gives protection to native species (especially those at threat), controls the release of non-native species, enhances the protection of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and builds upon the rights of way rules in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
Are foxes protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act?
Certain endangered species such as red squirrels are protected. More common animals, such as the fox or rabbit, are not protected, but some methods used to kill them are prohibited e.g. self-locking snares.
Are Badgers protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act?
Badgers are also listed on Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and s11 prohibits the use of certain methods of taking or killing a wild animal, including illuminating devices and some snares.
What are Schedule 5 species?
Crickets.
What does the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 do?
Summary: An Act prohibiting and limiting actions involving wild animals, and the primary piece of legislation for wildlife protection in the UK. Prohibitions include taking, injuring, killing and disturbing. It is also an offence to disturb places used for shelter and protection.
Why is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 was enacted primarily to implement the Birds Directive and Bern Convention in Great Britain. The Act received royal assent on 30 October 1981 and was brought into force in incremental steps.
What did the Protection of Birds Act 1954 ban?
Title: The Protection of Birds Act 1954 Taking, damaging or destroying the nest of any wild bird. Taking or destroying eggs of any wild bird.
Is it illegal to keep wild birds as pets UK?
As a general rule, it is legal to keep wild birds as pets in the UK, but strict rules and regulations must be followed. These include the sale of live wild birds and their eggs. The exhibition of wild birds, the killing and taking of birds and birds in captivity.
Are mole traps illegal UK?
A mole trap are the least expensive and most efficient way to kill moles. Using traps, however, is not universally lawful. In some parts of Europe, trapping moles is legal but requires a hunting and trapping permit. Check with your local wildlife authorities before you attempt to trap moles if you live in the UK.
Can I shoot badgers on my land?
Badgers and their setts are legally protected from intentional cruelty and from the results of lawful human activities. The legislation, The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, has provided badgers with unrivalled protection under the law. Despite this, thousands continue to be injured and killed illegally each year.
Can you disturb a badger sett?
Work that disturbs badgers whilst occupying a sett is illegal without a licence. Badgers could be disturbed by work near the sett even if there is no direct interference or damage to the sett.
Are there any amendments to the wildlife and Countryside Act?
Since the passing of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 there have been amendments to the text of the Act, through Amendment Acts and other legislation, (e.g. Local Government Act 1985, Water Act 1989, Environmental Protection Act 1990), and to the lists of protected species, through Variations to the Schedules Orders.
Where can I find the original wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?
The original version of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and subsequent amendments are available on the legislation.gov.uk website. The act contains four parts and 17 schedules, which cover:
Is it an offence to disturb protected species?
The species listed below are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended by the Environmental Protection Act 1990. It is an offence to intentionally disturb any of these species during the breeding season without a valid licence.
Does the wildlife and Countryside Act apply to captive bred animals?
The provisions relating to animals in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 only apply to ‘wild animals’; these are defined as those that are living wild or were living wild before being captured or killed. It does not apply to captive bred animals being held in captivity.
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