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Q15: I am concerned about someone stealing wild birds eggs, is it illegal?

Answer

Wild birds have certain protections and it is illegal to -

  • kill, injure or take any wild bird;
  • take, damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird 
  • take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built
  • take or destroy an egg of any wild bird,
The penalties, if convicted, are imprisonment and/or a fine. If you know someone who is stealing wild birds' eggs then contact your local police force via the link in related information and speak to the wildlife officer who will be able to help you.
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Answer

Wild birds have certain protections and it is illegal to -

  • kill, injure or take any wild bird;
  • take, damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird 
  • take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built
  • take or destroy an egg of any wild bird,
The penalties, if convicted, are imprisonment and/or a fine. If you know someone who is stealing wild birds' eggs then contact your local police force via the link in related information and speak to the wildlife officer who will be able to help you.

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In order to shoot birds in your garden you would require a licence from the Department for Food Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The licence is only granted for specific purposes and there are many different types of licences. Please see the website for DEFRA Bird Licences (in Related Information) for a full explanation of these licences.

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All birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This Act makes it illegal to cause harm or suffering to any bird, or to damage/destroy nests, eggs, or chicks. Some species of birds are afforded extra protection under the Act, prohibiting any disturbance whatsoever.

For more information relating to the laws protecting particular species of bird, you should contact the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). A link to the RSPB website is listed in related information.

If you think a wildlife crime is being committed you can report it to your local Police Wildlife Crime Unit  or by calling 101.

You can also report wildlife crime anonymously to Crimestoppers .

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'Birds of prey' are large, predatory birds that have hooked bills, sharp talons, and strong feet.

Birds of prey must be ringed, marked and registered in order to be kept in captivity. If you suspect that your neighbour's bird of prey is wild, or has not been registered, please contact your local police force's wildlife officer for assistance.

See Related Information for contact details for your local force.

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It is an offence to cut down a hedge or tree intentionally or recklessly whilst there are birds nesting in it.

Reckless is a term often used in legal definitions. In this context it means that if you cut the tree down knowing there was a chance that birds were nesting there and you didn't check, then you would have been reckless and therefore guilty of the offence.

The penalties are imprisonment and/or a fine. If there is more than one bird, nest or egg then each case will be treated as separate criminal offences.

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Q15: I am concerned about someone stealing wild birds eggs, is it illegal?

Answer

Wild birds have certain protections and it is illegal to -

  • kill, injure or take any wild bird;
  • take, damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird 
  • take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built
  • take or destroy an egg of any wild bird,
The penalties, if convicted, are imprisonment and/or a fine. If you know someone who is stealing wild birds' eggs then contact your local police force via the link in related information and speak to the wildlife officer who will be able to help you.
 
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