I understand concerns  regading the bird shooting industry, and it is important to manage our environment in a way that protects wildlife, the environment itself and the people who live in these areas. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) act on ammunition, banning shot containing more than 1% lead and bullets with a lead content of more than 3%. Lead ammunition, as you may know, contributes to river pollution and impacts our majestic bird pollution. 

This ban on lead will help reverse this rejuvenating pride in our countryside by protecting precious birdlife and cleaning up rivers. I also understand the Government commissioned a risk assessment looking at the impact gamebird releases have on transmission of avian flu in wild birds. This research has informed disease control measures and gamebirds are not allowed to be released in any avian flu disease control zone, or prevention zone, to protect wild birds. 

Although it is very difficult to police a system that bans gamebirds without banning shooting. The government is taking measures to ensure that shooting has the least repercussions on the environment and people that live around it. 

11/02/26