This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Consultation on wild bird licences
05/01/2007
New proposals to reduce and simplify licences governing the taking of wild birds are out for consultation from today.
Views are being sought on proposed changes to the current 23 licences to make them fit for purpose. General licences will cover a range of activities, such as preventing damage to livestock or foodstuffs, protecting wild birds or buying or selling ornamental wildlife.
Anyone taking such action against birds without holding a licence could be subject to prosecution.
Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin said:
"I am committed to protecting Scotland's wildlife. In some cases certain bird species may be so prevalent as to pose a significant threat to populations of other birds.
"We recognise too that some species of birds can also cause significant nuisance to people going about their legitimate business. We therefore need an easily understood and properly enforced regime of licensing to ensure that controls are humane and within the law.
"The review will ensure that general licences are up-to-date, clearer and more usable."
Background:
Ministers issue licences which allow individuals to take certain strictly controlled actions against birds which cause, or may cause significant problems. Some of these licences issued are General Licences, which allow legitimate and authorised persons to take actions to control certain species of birds where they pose a serious problem, without having to make a specific application to Ministers.
General Licences are also available to preserve public health, prevent damage to livestock or foodstuffs, to buy or sell ornamental wildlife and trade in dead birds, present show birds, or to allow people to look after sick or injured birds.