AQW 10407/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 17/11/2020
Answered On Date: 27/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail (i) any plans he has for pursuing stricter laws regarding the illegal poaching, shooting, hunting and poisoning of native birds of prey and migratory birds; and (ii) the numbers of successful prosecutions made for the above crimes in each constituency, broken down by year for the last five years.

Answer:

All wild bird species are afforded protection in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. The PSNI has responsibility to investigate breaches of the Wildlife Order and work closely with DAERA officials with relevant scientific knowledge to gather information which assists prosecutions.

It is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird, including damaging their nests during the process of building or in occupation. Schedule 1, Part A of the Wildlife Order lists bird species that are protected all year round. The Schedule includes native birds of prey and migratory species. Schedule A1 of the Order also lists returning species and protects their nest year round.

I am therefore content that there is currently robust legislative protection in place for raptors and migratory birds and I have no plans to introduce new legislative measures. However, I am content to keep this issue under review, and will take additional action if deemed appropriate.

The Department does not hold records on the level of PSNI enforcement action taken in relation to migratory bird incidents. However, I would draw your attention to the latest (2019) report from the Partnership for Action against Wildlife crime (PAWNI) on raptor persecution. This is a comprehensive report which can be accessed at:-

https://80fb1992-4451-40d0-9d4a-ceb85ee8bb71.filesusr.com/ugd/259455_45a771f2750045d2940b099e8a8e58bf.pdf