Some key points of the Wildlife and Countryside Act:
All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected (with exceptions).
Under general licences issued by Natural England or Natural Resources Wales, landowners can kill so-called ‘pest species’ of bird or destroy their nests or eggs.
Some species of bird can be shot outside the breeding season.
Some species of bird can be sold if captive bred and fitted with a ring.
Injured birds can be treated, provided that they are released afterwards. If seriously injured they may be humanely killed.
It’s an offence to intentionally disturb rare species of bird whilst nesting.
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.
People legally killing animals must take precautions to prevent protected species being killed or injured.
It is against the law to release, or allow to escape, non-native animals such as grey squirrel or mink.
We campaign for relevant changes to legislation to protect wild animals from unnecessary suffering and provide evidence to consultations when the government is considering changes.
We assist with police investigations and prosecute people involved in wildlife crime such as badger baiting or the trapping of songbirds.threatened by illicit actions such as:
Poaching migratory birds
Killing or trafficking endangered species
Illegally importing or exporting wildlife
Activities that are harmful to protected wildlife species or habitats
Environmental protection
Our environmental enforcement officers enforce laws and regulations governing the use of toxic substances, and their release into our air, water or land. They are everywhere, from industrial facilities in our biggest cities to metal mines in our most remote locations. They also enforce laws that govern the import and export of substances that present a hazard or risk to the environment and/or human health. Through their actions environmental enforcement officers fight pollution and make communities across Canada healthier and safer.