The government is considering new animal welfare laws that could affect game bird shoot organisers in England. This is part of a consultation process.
Ministers are also considering plans for a licensing scheme for those who run game bird shoots. Under these proposals, individuals associated with wildlife crime, such as the poisoning or shooting of birds of prey, could be banned from hosting shooting events.
Currently, game birds like pheasants and partridges are not subject to the same minimum animal welfare standards as chickens and other farmed birds. Poultry farms, for example, have minimum space standards and are subject to regular welfare inspections, which are not in place for sites rearing game birds.
Defra Minister Sue Hayman stated that it is important to understand the effect of game bird shooting on wildlife, the environment, and bird welfare, while also supporting rural communities. The consultation seeks evidence on effects on wildlife and habitats, disease spread, animal welfare, wildlife crime, and natural resource use.