- Latest available (Revised)
- Original (As enacted)
This version of this Act contains provisions that are prospective.
The term provision is used to describe a definable element in a piece of legislation that has legislative effect – such as a Part, Chapter or section. A version of a provision is prospective either:
Commencement Orders listed in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ box as not yet applied may bring this prospective version into force.
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 09 October 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.
Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):
An Act to repeal and re-enact with amendments the Protection of Birds Acts 1954 to 1967 and the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act 1975; to prohibit certain methods of killing or taking wild animals; to amend the law relating to protection of certain mammals; to restrict the introduction of certain animals and plants; to amend the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976; to amend the law relating to nature conservation, the countryside and National Parks and to make provision with respect to the Countryside Commission; to amend the law relating to public rights of way; and for connected purposes.
[30th October 1981]
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Act amended (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/593, reg. 2 , Sch. 1
Act: certain functions transferred (E.W.) (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 69(1), 125(2) (with ss. 7(6), 115, Sch. 8 para. 7)
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Pt. I cross-heading added (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 3(2), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person intentionally—
(a)kills, injures or takes any wild bird;
[F2(aa)takes, damages or destroys the nest of a wild bird included in Schedule ZA1;]
(b)takes, damages or destroys the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built; or
(c)takes or destroys an egg of any wild bird,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person has in his possession or control—
(a)any live or dead wild bird or any part of, or anything derived from, such a bird; or
(b)an egg of a wild bird or any part of such an egg,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(3)A person shall not be guilty of an offence under subsection (2) if he shows that—
(a)the bird or egg had not been killed or taken, or had been [F3lawfully] killed or taken F4. . . ; or
(b)the bird, egg or other thing in his possession or control had been [F5lawfully] sold (whether to him or any other person) F6. . . ;
F7. . .
[F8(3ZA)A person shall not be guilty of an offence under subsection (2)(b) if the person shows that the egg, or the part of the egg, was in any person’s possession or control before 28th September 1982.]
[F9(3A) In subsection (3) “lawfully” means without any contravention of—
(a)this Part and orders made under it,
(b) the Protection of Birds Acts 1954 to 1967 F10 and orders made under those Acts,
(c) any other legislation which implements [F11 the Wild Birds Directive] and extends to any part of the United Kingdom, to any area designated in accordance with section 1(7) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964 F12 , or to any area to which British fishery limits extend in accordance with section 1 of the Fishery Limits Act 1976 F13 , and
(d)the provisions of the law of any member State (other than the United Kingdom) implementing [F14the Wild Birds Directive].]
(4)F15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(5)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person intentionally [F16or recklessly]—
(a)disturbs any wild bird included in Schedule 1 while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or
(b)disturbs dependent young of such a bird,
he shall be guilty of an offenceF17. . . .
[F18(6)For the purposes of this section the definition of “wild bird” in section 27(1) is to be read as not including any bird which is shown to have been bred in captivity unless it has been lawfully released into the wild as part of a re-population or re-introduction programme.
(6A) “ Re-population ” and “ re-introduction ” have the same meaning as in [F19 the Wild Birds Directive ].]
(7)Any reference in this Part to any bird included in Schedule 1 is a reference to any bird included in Part I and, during the close season for the bird in question, any bird included in Part II of that Schedule.
Extent Information
E1This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
Textual Amendments
F2S. 1(1)(aa) inserted (E.W.) (31.5.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c.16), ss. 47(2),107; S.I. 2006/1382, art. 2
F3Word in s. 1(3)(a) inserted (E.W.) (14.7.2004 as specified in S.I. 2004/1487 and 2.8.2004 as specified in S.I. 2004/1733) by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1487), {reg. 3(a)(i)} and by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1733), reg. 3(1), Sch. para. 1(a)(i)
F4Words in s. 1(3)(a) omitted (E.W.) (14.7.2004 as specified in S.I. 2004/1487 and 2.8.2004 as specified in S.I. 2004/1733) by virtue of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1487), {reg. 3(a)(ii)} and by virtue of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1733), reg. 3(1), Sch. para. 1(a)(ii)
F5Word in s. 1(3)(b) inserted (E.W.) (14.7.2004 as specified in S.I. 2004/1487 and 2.8.2004 as specified in S.I. 2004/1733) by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1487), {reg. 3(b)(i)} and by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1733), reg. 3(1), Sch. para. 1(b)(i)
F6Words in s. 1(3)(b) omitted (E.W.) (14.7.2004 as specified in S.I. 2004/1487 and 2.8.2004 as specified in S.I. 2004/1733) by virtue of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1487), {reg. 3(b)(ii)} and by virtue of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1733), reg. 3(1), Sch. para. 1(b)(ii)
F7Words in s. 1(3) omitted (E.W.) (14.7.2004 as specified in S.I. 2004/1487 and 2.8.2004 as specified in S.I. 2004/1733) by virtue of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1487), {reg. 3(c)} and by virtue of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1733), reg. 3(1), Sch. para. 1(c)
F8S. 1(3ZA) inserted (E.W.) (6.4.2016) by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/127), regs. 1(2), 2(2)
F9S. 1(3A) inserted (E.W.) (14.7.2004 as specified in S.I. 2004/1487 and 2.8.2004 as specified in S.I. 2004/1733) by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1487), {reg. 3(d)} and by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1733), reg. 3(1), Sch. para. 1(d)
F11Words in s. 1(3A)(c) substituted (E.W.) (21.8.2007) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1843), reg. 7(2)(a)(i)
F14Words in s. 1(3A)(d) substituted (E.W.) (21.8.2007) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1843), reg. 7(2)(a)(ii)
F15S. 1(4) repealed (30.1.2001 for E.W and 26.3.2003 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6)) and by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 86, 89(2)(d), Sch. 5
F16Words in s. 1(5) inserted (30.1.2001 for E.W. and 1.10.2004 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 81(1), 103(2), Sch. 12 para. 1 and inserted by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 2(5); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F17Words in s. 1(5) repealed (30.1.2001 for E.W. and 26.3.2003 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6)) and by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 86, 89(2)(d), Sch. 5
F18S. 1(6)(6A) substituted (E.W.) (1.10.2006) for s. 1(6) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c.16), ss. 48(1),107; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
F19Words in s. 1(6A) substituted (E.W.) (21.8.2007) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1843), reg. 7(2)(b)
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person intentionally [F732or recklessly]—
(a)kills, injures or takes any wild bird;
(b)takes, damages [F733, destroys or otherwise interferes with] the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built; or
[F734(ba)at any other time takes, damages, destroys or otherwise interferes with any nest habitually used by any wild bird included in Schedule A1;
(bb)obstructs or prevents any wild bird from using its nest;]
(c)takes or destroys an egg of any wild bird,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person has in his possession or control—
(a)any live or dead wild bird or any part of, or anything derived from, such a bird; or
(b)an egg of a wild bird or any part of such an egg,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(3)A person shall not be guilty of an offence under subsection (2) if he shows that—
(a)the bird or egg had not been killed or taken, or had been killed or taken [F735at or from a place in Scotland] otherwise than in contravention of the relevant provisions; F736. . .
(b)the bird, egg or other thing in his possession or control had been sold [F737at a place in Scotland](whether to him or any other person) otherwise than in contravention of those provisions; [F738; or
(c)that the bird, egg or other thing in his possession or control had been killed at, taken from or sold at a place outwith Scotland and—
(i)that the act of killing, taking or sale would not, if it had been committed in Scotland, have been in contravention of the relevant provisions; or
(ii)that the bird, egg or other thing had been brought from the place where it was killed, taken or sold in accordance with the relevant regulations.]
F739. . .
[F740(3A)In subsection (3)—
“ the relevant provisions ” means such of the provisions of—
the Protection of Birds Acts 1954 to 1967 and orders made under those Acts, and
this Part and orders made under it,
as were in force at the time when the bird or egg was killed or taken or, as the case may be, the bird, egg or other thing was sold,
“the relevant regulations” means—
Council Regulation 338/97/ EC on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade, and
Commission Regulation 1808/2001/ EC on the implementation of that Council Regulation,
as amended from time to time (or any [F244EU] instrument replacing either of them).]
(4)F15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(5)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person intentionally [F16or recklessly]—
(a)disturbs any wild bird included in Schedule 1 while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or
(b)disturbs dependent young of such a bird,
he shall be guilty of an offenceF17. . . .
[F741(5A)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who intentionally or recklessly disturbs any wild bird included in Schedule 1 which leks while it is doing so shall be guilty of an offence.
(5B)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who intentionally or recklessly harasses any wild bird included in Schedule 1A shall be guilty of an offence.
(5C)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who knowingly causes or permits to be done an act which is made unlawful by any of the foregoing provisions of this section shall be guilty of an offence.]
[F742(6)For the purposes of this section, the definition of “wild bird” in section 27(1) is to be read as not including any bird which is shown to have been bred in captivity unless—
(a)it has been lawfully released or allowed to escape from captivity as part of a re-population or re-introduction programme; or
(b)it is a mallard, grey or red-legged partridge, common pheasant or red grouse which is no longer in captivity and is not in a place where it was reared.]
(7)Any reference in this Part to any bird included in Schedule 1 is a reference to any bird included in Part I and, during the close season for the bird in question, any bird included in Part II of that Schedule.
Extent Information
E32This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F15S. 1(4) repealed (30.1.2001 for E.W and 26.3.2003 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6)) and by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 86, 89(2)(d), Sch. 5
F16Words in s. 1(5) inserted (30.1.2001 for E.W. and 1.10.2004 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 81(1), 103(2), Sch. 12 para. 1 and inserted by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 2(5); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F17Words in s. 1(5) repealed (30.1.2001 for E.W. and 26.3.2003 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6)) and by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 86, 89(2)(d), Sch. 5
F244Words in Act substituted (22.4.2011) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1043), arts. 2, 3, 6 (with arts. 3(2)(3), 4(2), 6(4)(5))
F732Words in s. 1(1) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 2(2)(a); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F733Words in s. 1(1)(b) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 2(2)(b); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F734S. 1(1)(ba)(bb) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 2(2)(c); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F735Words in s. 1(3)(a) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 2(3)(a); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F736Word in s. 1(3)(a) repealed (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 2(3)(b); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F737Words in s. 1(3)(b) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 2(3)(c); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F738S. 1(3)(c) and preceding word inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 2(3)(d); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F739Words in s. 1(3) repealed (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 2(3)(e); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F740S. 1(3A) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 2(4); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F741S. 1(5A)-(5C) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 2(6); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F742S. 1(6) substituted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 3(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)Subject to the provisions of this section, a person shall not be guilty of an offence under section 1 by reason of the killing or taking of a bird included in Part I of Schedule 2 outside the close season for that bird, or the injuring of such a bird outside that season in the course of an attempt to kill it.
(2)Subject to the provisions of this section, an authorised person shall not be guilty of an offence under section 1 by reason of—
(a)the killing or taking of a bird included in Part II of Schedule 2, or the injuring of such a bird in the course of an attempt to kill it;
(b)the taking, damaging or destruction of a nest of such a bird; or
(c)the taking or destruction of an egg of such a bird.
(3)Subsections (1) and (2) shall not apply in Scotland on Sundays or on Christmas Day; and subsection (1) shall not apply on Sundays in any area of England and Wales which the Secretary of State may by order prescribe for the purposes of that subsection.
(4)In this section and section 1 “close season” means—
(a)in the case of capercaillie and (except in Scotland) woodcock, the period in any year commencing with 1st February and ending with 30th September;
(b)in the case of snipe, the period in any year commencing with 1st February and ending with 11th August;
(c)in the case of wild duck and wild geese in or over any area below high-water mark of ordinary spring tides, the period in any year commencing with 21st February and ending with 31st August;
(d)in any other case, subject to the provisions of this Part, the period in any year commencing with 1st February and ending with 31st August.
(5)The Secretary of State may by order made with respect to the whole or any specified part of Great Britain vary the close season for any wild bird specified in the order.
(6)If it appears to the Secretary of State expedient that any wild birds included in Part II of Schedule 1 or Part I of Schedule 2 should be protected during any period outside the close season for those birds, he may by order made with respect to the whole or any specified part of Great Britain declare any period (which shall not in the case of any order exceed fourteen days) as a period of special protection for those birds; and this section and section 1 shall have effect as if any period of special protection declared under this subsection for any birds formed part of the close season for those birds.
(7)Before making an order under subsection (6) the Secretary of State shall consult a person appearing to him to be a representative of persons interested in the shooting of birds of the kind proposed to be protected by the order.
Extent Information
E2This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C2S.2(6): Functions transferred (W.) (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, art. 2, Sch. 1
C3S. 2(6) functions made exercisable concurrently or jointly with the Welsh Ministers by 2006 c. 32, Sch. 3A para. 1 (as inserted (1.4.2018) by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), s. 71(4), Sch. 4 para. 1 (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(p))
(1)Subject to the provisions of this section [F744where subsection (1A) applies], a person shall not be guilty of an offence under section 1 by reason of the killing or taking of a bird included in Part I of Schedule 2 outside the close season for that bird, or the injuring of such a bird outside that season in the course of an attempt to kill it.
[F745(1A)This subsection applies where—
(a)whatever the kind of bird in question—
(i)the person who killed or injured it had a legal right, or permission, to kill such a bird; or
(ii)the person who took it had a legal right, or permission, to take such a bird; and
(b)in the case of a bird included in Part 1B of Schedule 2—
(i)an owner or occupier of the land on which the bird was killed, injured or taken held an unsuspended section 16AA licence; or
(ii)the person who killed, injured or took the bird reasonably believed that an owner or occupier held an unsuspended section 16AA licence in relation to that land.
(1B)In subsection (1A), “permission” means permission from a person who has a right to give it.
(1C)Where subsection (1D) applies, a person does not commit an offence under section 1 by reason of killing or taking a bird included in Part 1B of Schedule 2 outside the close season for that bird, or the injuring of such a bird outside that season in the course of an attempt to kill it.
(1D)This subsection applies where—
(a)the bird was killed or taken through the use of a bird of prey, or injured in an attempt to do so,
(b)either—
(i)the person who killed or injured it had a legal right, or permission, to kill such a bird, or
(ii)the person who took it had a legal right, or permission, to take such a bird, and
(c)in the case where the person subsequently killed the injured bird, the person took all reasonable steps to kill it in a way that caused it the minimum possible suffering.]
(2)F746. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3)[F747Subsection (1)] shall not apply in Scotland on Sundays or on Christmas Day [F748in relation to those birds included in Part I of Schedule 2 which are also included in Part IA of that Schedule]; and subsection (1) shall not apply on Sundays in any area of England and Wales which the Secretary of State may by order prescribe for the purposes of that subsection.
[F749(3A)Subject to the provisions of this section, where subsection (3B) applies a person does not commit an offence under section 1 by reason of the taking for the purposes of breeding of—
(a)a partridge or pheasant included in Part I of Schedule 2; or
(b)an egg of such a bird.
(3B)This subsection applies where—
(a)the person who takes does so during the period of 28 days commencing with the first day of the close season for the bird; and
(b)the person who takes had—
(i)a legal right to take such a bird; or
(ii)permission, from a person who had a right to give permission, to take such a bird.
(3C)A person does not commit an offence under section 1 by reason of the taking of a red grouse if—
(a)the grouse is taken—
(i)for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease; and
(ii)with the intention of releasing it from captivity after no more than 12 hours; F750...
(b)the person had—
(i)a legal right to take such a grouse; or
(ii)permission, from a person who had a right to give permission, to take such a grouse.] [F751; and
(c)either—
(i)an owner or occupier of the land on which the bird was taken held an unsuspended section 16AA licence in relation to the land; or
(ii)the person reasonably believed that an owner or occupier held an unsuspended section 16AA licence in relation to that land.]
(4)In [F752section 1, this section and section 6] “close season” means—
(a)in the case of [F753capercaillie and] (except in Scotland) woodcock, the period in any year commencing with 1st February and ending with 30th September;
(b)in the case of snipe, the period in any year commencing with 1st February and ending with 11th August;
[F754(ba)in the case of pheasant, the period in any year commencing with 2nd February and ending with 30th September;
(bb)in the case of partridge, the period in any year commencing with 2nd February and ending with 31st August;]
(c)in the case of wild duck and wild geese in or over any area below high-water mark of ordinary spring tides, the period in any year commencing with 21st February and ending with 31st August;
[F755(ca)in the case of black grouse, the period commencing with 11th December in any year and ending with 19th August in the following year;
(cb)in the case of ptarmigan and red grouse, the period commencing with 11th December in any year and ending with 11th August in the following year;]
(d)in any other case, subject to the provisions of this Part, the period in any year commencing with 1st February and ending with 31st August.
(5)The Secretary of State may by order made with respect to the whole or any specified part of Great Britain vary the close season for any wild bird specified in the order.
(6)If it appears to the Secretary of State expedient that any wild birds included in Part II of Schedule 1 or Part I of Schedule 2 should be protected during any period outside the close season for those birds, he may by order made with respect to the whole or any specified part of Great Britain declare any period (which shall not in the case of any order exceed fourteen days) as a period of special protection for those birds; and [F756section 1, this section and section 6] shall have effect as if any period of special protection declared under this subsection for any birds formed part of the close season for those birds.
(7)Before making an order under subsection (6) the Secretary of State shall consult [F757such persons] appearing to him to be a representative of persons interested in the shooting of birds of the kind proposed to be protected by the order [F758as he considers appropriate].
Extent Information
E33This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F743Words in s. 2 title added (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 3(4)(a), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(b)
F744Words in s. 2(1) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 3(4)(b), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(b)
F745S. 2(1A)-(1D) substituted for s. 2(1A) (S.) (22.7.2024) by Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 (asp 4), ss. 9(2)(a), 35(2) (with s. 30); S.S.I. 2024/168, sch. Pt. 2
F746S. 2(2) repealed (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 3(a); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F747Words in s. 2(3) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 3(b); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F748Words in s. 2(3) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 3(4)(d), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(b)
F749S. 2 inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 3(4)(e), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(b)
F750Word in s. 2(3C)(a)(ii) repealed (S.) (22.7.2024) by Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 (asp 4), ss. 9(2)(b)(i), 35(2) (with s. 30); S.S.I. 2024/168, sch. Pt. 2
F751S. 2(3C)(c) and word inserted (S.) (22.7.2024) by Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 (asp 4), ss. 9(2)(b)(ii), 35(2) (with s. 30); S.S.I. 2024/168, sch. Pt. 2
F752Words in s. 2(4) substituted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 5(2)(a), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(c)
F753Words in s. 2(4)(a) omitted (S.) (4.11.2001) by virtue of S.S.I. 2001/337, reg. 2(2)
F754S. 2(4)(ba)(bb) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 3(4)(f)(i), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(b)
F755S. 2(4)(ca)(cb) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 3(4)(f)(ii), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(b)
F756Words in s. 2(6) substituted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 5(2)(b), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(c)
F757Words in s. 2(7) substituted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 3(4)(g)(i), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(b)
F758Words in s. 2(7) added (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 3(4)(g)(ii), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(b)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C3S. 2(6) functions made exercisable concurrently or jointly with the Welsh Ministers by 2006 c. 32, Sch. 3A para. 1 (as inserted (1.4.2018) by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), s. 71(4), Sch. 4 para. 1 (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(p))
(1)The Secretary of State may by order make provision with respect to any area specified in the order providing for all or any of the following matters, that is to say—
(a)that any person who, within that area or any part of it specified in the order, at any time or during any period so specified, intentionally—
(i)kills, injures or takes any wild bird or any wild bird so specified;
(ii)takes, damages or destroys the nest of such a bird while that nest is in use or being built;
(iii)takes or destroys an egg of such a bird;
(iv)disturbs such a bird while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or
(v)disturbs dependent young of such a bird,
shall be guilty of an offence under this section;
(b)that any person who, except as may be provided in the order, enters into that area or any part of it specified in the order at any time or during any period so specified shall be guilty of an offence under this section;
(c)that where any offence under this Part, or any such offence under this Part as may be specified in the order, is committed within that area, [F20the offence shall be treated as falling within section 7(3A)].
(2)An authorised person shall not by virtue of any such order be guilty of an offence by reason of—
(a)the killing or taking of a bird included in Part II of Schedule 2, or the injuring of such a bird in the course of an attempt to kill it;
(b)the taking, damaging or destruction of the nest of such a bird;
(c)the taking or destruction of an egg of such a bird; or
(d)the disturbance of such a bird or dependent young of such a bird.
(3)The making of any order under this section with respect to any area shall not affect the exercise by any person of any right vested in him, whether as owner, lessee or occupier of any land in that area or by virtue of a licence or agreement.
(4)Before making any order under this section the Secretary of State shall give particulars of the intended order either by notice in writing to every owner and every occupier of any land included in the area with respect to which the order is to be made or, where the giving of such a notice is in his opinion impracticable, by advertisement in a newspaper circulating in the [F21locality] in which that area is situated.
(5)The Secretary of State shall not make an order under this section unless—
(a)all the owners and occupiers aforesaid have consented thereto;
(b)no objections thereto have been made by any of those owners or occupiers before the expiration of a period of three months from the date of the giving of the notice or the publication of the advertisement; or
(c)any such objections so made have been withdrawn.
Extent Information
E3This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
Textual Amendments
F20Words in s. 3(1)(c) substituted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 81(1), 103(2), Sch. 12 para. 2
F21Word in s. 3(4) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16 para. 65(1) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extent Information
E34This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F759S. 3 repealed (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 4(2), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(a)
(1)Nothing in section 1 or in any order made under section 3 shall make unlawful—
(a)anything done in pursuance of a requirement by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or the Secretary of State under section 98 of the M1Agriculture Act 1947, or by the Secretary of State under section 39 of the M2Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948;
(b)anything done under, or in pursuance of an order made under, section 21 or 22 of the M3Animal Health Act 1981; or
(c)except in the case of a wild bird included in Schedule [F22ZA1 or] 1 or the nest or egg of such a bird, anything done under, or in pursuance of an order made under, any other provision of the said Act of 1981.
(2)Notwithstanding anything in the provisions of section 1 or any order made under section 3, a person shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of—
(a)the taking of any wild bird if he shows that the bird had been disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act and was taken solely for the purpose of tending it and releasing it when no longer disabled;
(b)the killing of any wild bird if he shows that the bird had been so seriously disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act that there was no reasonable chance of its recovering; or
(c)any act made unlawful by those provisions if he shows that the act was the incidental result of a lawful operation and could not reasonably have been avoided.
(3)Notwithstanding anything in the provisions of section 1 or any order made under section 3, an authorised person shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of the killing or injuring of any wild bird, other than a bird included in Schedule 1, if he shows that his action was necessary for the purpose of—
(a)preserving public health or public or air safety;
(b)preventing the spread of disease; or
(c)preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber, [F23, fisheries or inland waters].
[F24(4)An authorised person shall not be regarded as showing that any action of his was necessary for a purpose mentioned in subsection (3)(c) unless he shows that as regards that purpose, there was no other satisfactory solution.
(5)An authorised person shall not be entitled to rely on the defence provided by subsection (3)(c) as respects any action taken at any time for any purpose mentioned in that paragraph if it had become apparent, before that time, that that action would prove necessary for that purpose and either—
(a)a licence under section 16 authorising that action had not been applied for by him as soon as reasonably practicable after that fact had become apparent; or
(b)an application by him for such a licence had been determined.
(6)An authorised person shall not be entitled to rely on the defence provided by subsection (3)(c) as respects any action taken at any time unless he notified the agriculture Minister as soon as reasonably practicable after that time that he had taken the action.]
Extent Information
E4This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
Textual Amendments
F22Words in s. 4(1)(c) inserted (E.W.) (31.5.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c.16), ss. 47(4)(a),107; S.I. 2006/1382, art. 2
F23Words in s. 4(3)(c) substituted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 2(1)
F24S. 4(4)-(6) inserted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 2(2)
Marginal Citations
(1)Nothing in section 1 F761... shall make unlawful—
(a)anything done in pursuance of a requirement by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or the Secretary of State under section 98 of the M1Agriculture Act 1947, or by the Secretary of State under section 39 of the M2Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948;
(b)anything done under, or in pursuance of an order made under, section 21 or 22 of the M3Animal Health Act 1981; or
(c)except in the case of a wild bird included in Schedule 1 or the nest or egg of such a bird, anything done under, or in pursuance of an order made under, any other provision of the said Act of 1981.
(2)Notwithstanding anything in the provisions of section 1 F762..., a person shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of—
(a)the taking of any wild bird if he shows that the bird had been disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act and was taken solely for the purpose of tending it and releasing it when no longer disabled;
(b)the killing of any wild bird if he shows that the bird had been so seriously disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act that there was no reasonable chance of its recovering; or
(c)any act made unlawful by those provisions [F763 (an unlawful act if he shows that each of the conditions specified in subsection (2A) was satisfied in relation to the carrying out of the unlawful act.]
[F764(2A)Those conditions are—
(a)that the unlawful act was the incidental result of a lawful operation or other activity;
(b)that the person who carried out the lawful operation or other activity—
(i)took reasonable precautions for the purpose of avoiding carrying out the unlawful act; or
(ii)did not foresee, and could not reasonably have foreseen, that the unlawful act would be an incidental result of the carrying out of the lawful operation or other activity; and
(c)that the person who carried out the unlawful act took, immediately upon the consequence of that act becoming apparent to the person, such steps as were reasonably practicable in the circumstances to minimise the damage or disturbance to the wild bird, nest or, as the case may be, egg in relation to which the unlawful act was carried out.]
(3)Notwithstanding anything in the provisions of section 1 F765..., an authorised person shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of the killing or injuring of any wild bird, other than a bird included in Schedule 1, if he shows that his action was necessary for the purpose of—
(a)preserving public health or public or air safety;
(b)preventing the spread of disease; or
(c)preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber, [F23, fisheries or inland waters].
[F24(4)An authorised person shall not be regarded as showing that any action of his was necessary for a purpose mentioned in subsection [F766(3)] unless he shows that as regards that purpose, there was no other satisfactory solution.
(5)An authorised person shall not be entitled to rely on the defence provided by subsection [F767(3)] as respects any action taken at any time for any purpose mentioned in that [F768subsection] if it had become apparent, before that time, that that action would prove necessary for that purpose and either—
(a)a licence under section 16 authorising that action had not been applied for by him as soon as reasonably practicable after that fact had become apparent; or
(b)an application by him for such a licence had been determined.
(6)An authorised person shall not be entitled to rely on the defence provided by subsection [F769(3)] as respects any action taken at any time unless he notified the agriculture Minister as soon as reasonably practicable after that time that he had taken the action.]
Extent Information
E35This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F23Words in s. 4(3)(c) substituted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 2(1)
F24S. 4(4)-(6) inserted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 2(2)
F760S. 4 heading substituted (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 4(3)(a), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(a)
F761Words in s. 4(1) repealed (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 4(3)(b), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(a)
F762Words in s. 4(2) repealed (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 4(3)(c), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(a)
F763Words in s. 4(2)(c) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 5(2); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F764S. 4(2A) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 5(3); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F765Words in s. 4(3) repealed (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 4(3)(c), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(a)
F766Words in s. 4(4) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 5(4); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F767Words in s. 4(5) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 5(5)(a); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F768Word in s. 4(5) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 5(5)(b); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F769Words in s. 4(6) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 5(6); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
Marginal Citations
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)sets in position any of the following articles, being an article which is of such a nature and is so placed as to be calculated to cause bodily injury to any wild bird coming into contact therewith, that is to say, any springe, trap, gin, snare, hook and line, any electrical device for killing, stunning or frightening or any poisonous, poisoned or stupefying substance;
(b)uses for the purpose of killing or taking any wild bird any such article as aforesaid, whether or not of such a nature and so placed as aforesaid, or any net, baited board, bird-lime or substance of a like nature to bird-lime;
(c)uses for the purpose of killing or taking any wild bird—
(i)any bow or crossbow;
(ii)any explosive other than ammunition for a firearm;
(iii)any automatic or semi-automatic weapon;
(iv)any shot-gun of which the barrel has an internal diameter at the muzzle of more than one and three-quarter inches;
(v)any device for illuminating a target or any sighting device for night shooting;
(vi)any form of artificial lighting or any mirror or other dazzling device;
(vii)any gas or smoke not falling within paragraphs (a) and (b); or
(viii)any chemical wetting agent;
(d)uses as a decoy, for the purpose of killing or taking any wild bird, any sound recording or any live bird or other animal whatever which is tethered, or which is secured by means of braces or other similar appliances, or which is blind, maimed or injured; F25 . . .
(e)uses any mechanically propelled vehicle in immediate pursuit of a wild bird for the purpose of killing or taking that bird, [F26 ; or
(f)knowingly causes or permits to be done an act which is mentioned in the foregoing provisions of this subsection and which is not lawful under subsection (5),]
he shall be guilty of an offenceF27. . . .
(2)Subject to subsection (3), the Secretary of State may by order, either generally or in relation to any kind of wild bird specified in the order, amend subsection (1) by adding any method of killing or taking wild birds or by omitting any such method which is mentioned in that subsection.
(3)The power conferred by subsection (2) shall not be exerciseable, except for the purpose of complying with an international obligation, in relation to any method of killing or taking wild birds which involves the use of a firearm.
(4)In any proceedings under subsection (1)(a) it shall be a defence to show that the article was set in position for the purpose of killing or taking, in the interests of public health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries or nature conservation, any wild animals which could be lawfully killed or taken by those means and that he took all reasonable precautions to prevent injury thereby to wild birds.
F28 [(4A)In any proceedings under subsection (1)(f) relating to an act which is mentioned in subsection (1)(a) it shall be a defence to show that the article was set in position for the purpose of killing or taking, in the interests of public health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries or nature conservation, any wild animals which could be lawfully killed or taken by those means and that he took or caused to be taken all reasonable precautions to prevent injury thereby to wild birds.]
(5)Nothing in subsection (1) shall make unlawful—
(a)the use of a cage-trap or net by an authorised person for the purpose of taking a bird included in Part II of Schedule 2;
(b)the use of nets for the purpose of taking wild duck in a duck decoy which is shown to have been in use immediately before the passing of the M4Protection of Birds Act 1954; or
(c)the use of a cage-trap or net for the purpose of taking any game bird if it is shown that the taking of the bird is solely for the purpose of breeding;
but nothing in this subsection shall make lawful the use of any net for taking birds in flight or the use for taking birds on the ground of any net which is projected or propelled otherwise than by hand.
Extent Information
E5This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
Textual Amendments
F25Word "or" in s. 5(1)(d) omitted (25.9.1991) by virtue of Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 1(2), 3(3).
F26Word "or" and s. 5(1)(f) inserted (25.9.1991) by Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 1(3), 3(3).
F27Words in s. 5(1) repealed (30.1.2001 for E.W. and 26.3.2002 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6)) and by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 86, 89(2)(d), Sch. 5
F28S. 5(4A) inserted (25.9.1991) by Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 1(4), 3(3).
Marginal Citations
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)sets in position any of the following articles, being an article which is of such a nature and is so placed as to be [F770likely] to cause bodily injury to any wild bird coming into contact therewith, that is to say, any springe, trap, gin, snare, hook and line, any electrical device for killing, stunning or frightening or any poisonous, poisoned or stupefying substance;
(b)uses for the purpose of killing or taking any wild bird any such article as aforesaid, whether or not of such a nature and so placed as aforesaid, or any net, baited board, bird-lime or substance of a like nature to bird-lime;
(c)uses for the purpose of killing or taking any wild bird—
(i)any bow or crossbow;
(ii)any explosive other than ammunition for a firearm;
(iii)any automatic or semi-automatic weapon;
(iv)any shot-gun of which the barrel has an internal diameter at the muzzle of more than one and three-quarter inches;
(v)any device for illuminating a target or any sighting device for night shooting;
(vi)any form of artificial lighting or any mirror or other dazzling device;
(vii)any gas or smoke not falling within paragraphs (a) and (b); or
(viii)any chemical wetting agent;
(d)uses as a decoy, for the purpose of killing or taking any wild bird, any sound recording or any live bird or other animal whatever which is tethered, or which is secured by means of braces or other similar appliances, or which is blind, maimed or injured; F25 . . .
(e)uses any mechanically propelled vehicle in immediate pursuit of a wild bird for the purpose of killing or taking that bird, [F26 ; or
(f)knowingly causes or permits to be done an act which is mentioned in the foregoing provisions of this subsection and which is not lawful under subsection (5),]
he shall be guilty of an offenceF27. . . .
(2)Subject to subsection (3), the Secretary of State may by order, either generally or in relation to any kind of wild bird specified in the order, amend subsection (1) by adding any method of killing or taking wild birds or by omitting any such method which is mentioned in that subsection.
(3)The power conferred by subsection (2) shall not be exerciseable, except for the purpose of complying with an international obligation, in relation to any method of killing or taking wild birds which involves the use of a firearm.
(4)In any proceedings under subsection (1)(a) it shall be a defence to show that the article was set in position for the purpose of killing or taking, in the interests of public health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries or nature conservation, any wild animals which could be lawfully killed or taken by those means and that he took all reasonable precautions to prevent injury thereby to wild birds.
F28 [(4A)In any proceedings under subsection (1)(f) relating to an act which is mentioned in subsection (1)(a) it shall be a defence to show that the article was set in position for the purpose of killing or taking, in the interests of public health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries or nature conservation, any wild animals which could be lawfully killed or taken by those means and that he took or caused to be taken all reasonable precautions to prevent injury thereby to wild birds.]
(5)Nothing in subsection (1) shall make unlawful—
(a)F771. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)F771. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(c)the use of a cage-trap or net for the purpose of taking any [F772grouse, mallard, partridge or pheasant included in Part I of Schedule 2] if it is shown that the taking of the bird is solely for the purpose of breeding;
but nothing in this subsection shall make lawful the use of any net for taking birds in flight or the use for taking birds on the ground of any net which is projected or propelled otherwise than by hand.
Extent Information
E36This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F25Word "or" in s. 5(1)(d) omitted (25.9.1991) by virtue of Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 1(2), 3(3).
F26Word "or" and s. 5(1)(f) inserted (25.9.1991) by Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 1(3), 3(3).
F27Words in s. 5(1) repealed (30.1.2001 for E.W. and 26.3.2002 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6)) and by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 86, 89(2)(d), Sch. 5
F28S. 5(4A) inserted (25.9.1991) by Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 1(4), 3(3).
F770Word in s. 5(1)(a) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 6(a); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F771S. 5((5)(a)(b) repealed (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 6(b); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F772Words in s. 5(5)(c) substituted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 3(5), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)sells, offers or exposes for sale, or has in his possession or transports for the purpose of sale, any live wild bird other than a bird included in Part I of Schedule 3, or an egg of a wild bird or any part of such an egg; or
(b)publishes or causes to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that he buys or sells, or intends to buy or sell, any of those things,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any personF29. . . —
(a)sells, offers or exposes for sale, or has in his possession or transports for the purpose of sale, any dead wild bird other than a bird included in Part II or III of Schedule 3, or any part of, or anything derived from, such a wild bird; or
(b)publishes or causes to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that he buys or sells, or intends to buy or sell, any of those things,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(3)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person shows or causes or permits to be shown for the purposes of any competition or in any premises in which a competition is being held—
(a)any live wild bird other than a bird included in Part I of Schedule 3; or
(b)any live bird one of whose parents was such a wild bird,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(4)F30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F31(5)Any reference in this section to any bird included in Part 1 of Schedule 3 is a reference to any bird included in that Part which—
(a)was bred in captivity,
(b)has been ringed or marked in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State, and
(c)has not been lawfully released into the wild as part of a re-population or re-introduction programme.
(5A) “ Re-population ” and “ re-introduction ” have the same meaning as in [F32 the Wild Birds Directive].
(5B)Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (5)(b) may make different provision for different birds or different provisions of this section.]
(6)Any reference in this section to any bird included in Part II or III of Schedule 3 is a reference to any bird included in Part II and, during the period commencing with 1st September in any year and ending with 28th February of the following year, any bird included in Part III of that Schedule.
(7)F33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(8)F33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(8A)F33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(9)F33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(10)F33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extent Information
E6This version on this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only.
Textual Amendments
F29Words in s. 6(2) repealed (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 81(1), 102, 103(2), Sch. 12 para. 3, Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6))
F30S. 6(4) repealed (30.1.2001 for E.W. and 26.3.2003 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6)) and by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 86, 89(2)(d), Sch. 5
F31S. 6(5)-(5B) substituted (E.W.) (1.10.2006) for s. 6(5) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c.16), ss. 48(2), 107; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
F32Words in s. 6(5A) substituted (E.W.) (21.8.2007) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1843) {reg. 7(3)}
F33S. 6(7)-(10) repealed (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6))
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)sells, offers or exposes for sale, or has in his possession or transports for the purpose of sale, any live wild bird F773..., or an egg of a wild bird or any part of such an egg [F774other than—
(i)a bird included in Part I of Schedule 3 (see also subsection (5));
(ii)a bird included in Part 1A of that Schedule to which subsection (1A) applies; or
(iii)an egg to which subsection (1B) applies or any part of such an egg]; or
(b)publishes or causes to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that he buys or sells, or intends to buy or sell, any of those things,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
[F775(1A)This subsection applies to a bird which—
(a)was bred in captivity and remained in captivity or a place where it was reared;
(b)was a wild bird for the purposes of section 1 (see section 1(6)) and was taken by a person who had a legal right to take such a bird or a person with permission, from a person who had a right to give permission, to take such a bird outside the close season for the bird; or
(c)was such a wild bird of the following type and was taken by a person with such right or permission during the period of 28 days which commences with the first day of its close season––
(i)a partridge included also in Part I of Schedule 2; or
(ii)a pheasant included also in that Part.
(1B)This subsection applies to the following eggs—
(a)an egg of a bird included in Part IA of Schedule 3 to which subsection (1A) applies; or
(b)an egg of a bird included in Part IA of Schedule 3 to which that subsection does not apply if the egg was taken—
(i)outside the close season for the bird or during the period of 28 days commencing with the first day of its close season; and
(ii)by a person who had a legal right to take such a bird or a person with permission, from a person who had a right to give permission, to take such a bird.]
(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person who is not for the time being registered in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State—
(a)sells, offers or exposes for sale, or has in his possession or transports for the purpose of sale, any dead wild bird other than a bird included in Part II [F776, IIA] or III of Schedule 3 [F777(see also subsections (5B) and (6))], or any part of, or anything derived from, such a wild bird; or
(b)publishes or causes to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that he buys or sells, or intends to buy or sell, any of those things,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
[F778(2A)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who knowingly causes or permits to be done an act which is made unlawful by any of the foregoing provisions of this section (other than subsections (1)(b) and (2)(b)) shall be guilty of an offence.]
(3)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person shows or causes or permits to be shown for the purposes of any competition or in any premises in which a competition is being held—
(a)any live wild bird other than a bird included in Part I of Schedule 3; or
(b)any live bird one of whose parents was such a wild bird,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(4)F30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F779(5)Any reference in this section to any bird included in Part I of Schedule 3 is a reference to any bird included in that Part which—
(a)was bred in captivity;
(b)has been ringed or marked in accordance with regulations made by the Scottish Ministers; and
(c)has not been lawfully released or allowed to escape from captivity as part of a re-population or re-introduction programme.
(5A)Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (5)(b) may make different provision for different birds or different provisions of this section.]
[F780(5B)Any reference in this section to any bird included in Part IIA of Schedule 3 is a reference to any bird included in that Part which was killed outside the close season for the bird by a person who had a legal right to kill such a bird or permission, from a person who had a right to give permission, to kill such a bird.]
[F781(6)Any reference in this section to any bird included in Part III of Schedule 3 is a reference, during the period commencing with 1st September in any year and ending with 28th February of the following year, to any bird included in that Part.]
(7)The power of the Secretary of State to make regulations under subsection (2) shall include power—
(a)to impose requirements as to the carrying out by a person registered in accordance with the regulations of any act which, apart from the registration, would constitute an offence under this section; and
(b)to provide that any contravention of the regulations shall constitute such an offence.
(8)Regulations under subsection (2) shall secure that no person shall become or remain registered [F782within five years of his having been convicted of—
(a)an offence under this Part (being an offence relating to the protection of birds or other animals); or
(b)any other offence involving their ill-treatment,]
no account being taken for this purpose of a conviction which has become spent by virtue of the M50Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
(8A)The Secretary of State may charge such reasonable sum (if any) as he may determine in respect of any registration effected in accordance with regulations under subsection (2).
F783(9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F783(10). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extent Information
E37This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only.
Textual Amendments
F30S. 6(4) repealed (30.1.2001 for E.W. and 26.3.2003 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6)) and by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 86, 89(2)(d), Sch. 5
F773Words in s. 6(1)(a) repealed (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 5(3)(a)(i), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(c)
F774Words in s. 6(1)(a) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 5(3)(a)(ii), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(c)
F775S. 6(1A)(1B) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 5(3)(b), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(c)
F776Word in s. 6(2)(a) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 5(3)(c)(i), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(c)
F777Words in s. 6(2)(a) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 5(3)(c)(ii), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(c)
F778S. 6(2A) inserted (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 21(2), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(e)
F779S. 6(5)(5A) substituted for s. 6(5) (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 5(3)(d), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(c)
F780S. 6(5B) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 5(3)(e), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(c)
F781S. 6(6) substituted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 5(3)(f), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(c)
F782S. 6(8): paras. (a)(b) and preceding words substituted (S.) (26.3.2003) for paras. (a)(b) by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 77, 89(2)(b), Sch. 3 para. 2
F783S. 6(9)(10) repealed (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 22(2), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(d)
Marginal Citations
M501974. c. 53.
(1)If any person keeps or has in his possession or under his control any bird included in Schedule 4 which has not been registered and ringed or marked in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State, he shall be guilty of an offence F34. . ..
(2)The power of the Secretary of State to make regulations under subsection (1) shall include power—
(a)to impose requirements which must be satisfied in relation to a bird included in Schedule 4 before it can be registered in accordance with the regulations; and
(b)to make different provision for different birds or different descriptions of birds.
[F35(2A)The Secretary of State may charge such reasonable sum (if any) as he may determine in respect of any registration effected in accordance with regulations under subsection (1).]
(3)If any person keeps or has in his possession or under his control any bird included in Schedule 4—
(a)within five years of his having been convicted of an offence under this Part [F36which falls within subsection (3A)]; or
(b)within three years of his having been convicted of any other offence under this Part so far as it relates to the protection of birds or other animals or any offence involving their ill-treatment,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
[F37(3A)The offences falling within this subsection are—
(a)any offence under section 1(1) or (2) in respect of—
(i)a bird included in Schedule [F38ZA1 or] 1 or any part of, or anything derived from, such a bird,
(ii)the nest of such a bird, or
(iii)an egg of such a bird or any part of such an egg;
(b)any offence under section 1(5) or 5;
(c)any offence under section 6 in respect of—
(i)a bird included in Schedule [F38ZA1 or] 1 or any part of, or anything derived from, such a bird, or
(ii)an egg of such a bird or any part of such an egg;
[F39(ca)any offence under subsection (1);]
(d)any offence under section 8.]
(4)If any person knowingly disposes of or offers to dispose of any bird included in Schedule 4 to any person—
(a)within five years of that person’s having been convicted of such an offence as is mentioned in paragraph (a) of subsection (3); or
(b)within three years of that person’s having been convicted of such an offence as is mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(5)No account shall be taken for the purposes of subsections (3) and (4) of any conviction which has become spent for the purpose of the M5Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
F40(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F40(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extent Information
E7This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
Textual Amendments
F34Words in s. 7(1) repealed (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6))
F35S. 7(2A) inserted (21.3.1997) by 1997 c. 55, s. 1(2)
F36Words in s. 7(3)(a) substituted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 81(1), 103(2), Sch. 12 para. 4(1)
F37S. 7(3A) inserted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 81(1), 103(2), Sch. 12 para. 4(2)
F38Words in s. 7(3A)(a)(i)(c)(i) inserted (E.W.) (31.5.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c.16), ss. 47(4)(b), 107; S.I. 2006/1382, art. 2
F39S. 7(3A)(ca) inserted (E.W.) (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c.16), ss. 49, 107; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
F40S. 7(6)(7) repealed (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6))
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C4S. 7(2A): power to transfer functions conferred (1.5.2000) by S.I. 2000/745, art. 2(1), Sch.
Marginal Citations
(1)If any person keeps or has in his possession or under his control any bird included in Schedule 4 which has not been registered and ringed or marked in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State, he shall be guilty of an offence F784. . . .
(2)The power of the Secretary of State to make regulations under subsection (1) shall include power—
(a)to impose requirements which must be satisfied in relation to a bird included in Schedule 4 before it can be registered in accordance with the regulations; and
(b)to make different provision for different birds or different descriptions of birds.
[F785(2A)The Secretary of State may charge such reasonable sum (if any) as he may determine in respect of any registration effected in accordance with regulations under subsection (1).]
(3)If any person keeps or has in his possession or under his control any bird included in Schedule 4 [F786within five years of his having been convicted of—
(a)an offence under this Part (being an offence relating to the protection of birds or other animals); F787. . .
(b)any other offence involving their ill-treatment][F788; or
(c)any offence under the [F789Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/703)] relating to birds (other than an offence [F790under paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 to those Regulations which consists of the conduct specified in the table in that paragraph as the subject-matter of Regulation 8(6) of those Regulations])]
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(4)If any person knowingly disposes of or offers to dispose of any bird included in Schedule 4 to any person[F791 within five years of that person’s having been convicted of such an offence as is mentioned in subsection (3),] he shall be guilty of an offence.
(5)No account shall be taken for the purposes of subsections (3) and (4) of any conviction which has become spent for the purpose of the M51Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
[F792(5A)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who knowingly causes or permits to be done an act which is made unlawful by any of the foregoing provisions of this section shall be guilty of an offence.]
F793(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F793(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extent Information
E38This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F784Words in s. 7(1) repealed (S.) (26.3.2003) by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), s. 86, Sch. 5
F785S. 7(2A) inserted (21.3.1997) by 1997 c. 55, s. 1(2)
F786S. 7(3): paras. (a)(b) and preceding words substituted (S.) (26.3.2003) for paras. (a)(b) by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 77, 89(2)(b), Sch. 3 para. 2
F787Word in s. 7(3)(a) repealed (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 7(a); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F788S. 7(3)(c) and preceding word inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 7(b); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F789Words in s. 7(3)(c) substituted (S.) (6.11.2019) by The Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1354), regs. 1, 2(a)
F790Words in s. 7(3)(c) substituted (S.) (6.11.2019) by The Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1354), regs. 1, 2(b)
F791S. 7(4)(a)(b) substituted (S.) (26.3.2003) for words by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 77, 89(2)(b), Sch. 3 para. 3
F792S. 7(5A) inserted (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 21(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(e)
F793S. 7(6)(7) repealed (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 22(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(d)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C46S. 7(2A): power to transfer functions conferred (1.5.2000) by S.I. 2000/745, art. 2(1), Sch.
Marginal Citations
(1)If any person keeps or confines any bird whatever in any cage or other receptacle which is not sufficient in height, length or breadth to permit the bird to stretch its wings freely, he shall be guilty of an offenceF41. . . .
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to poultry, or to the keeping or confining of any bird—
(a)while that bird is in the course of conveyance, by whatever means;
(b)while that bird is being shown for the purposes of any public exhibition or competition if the time during which the bird is kept or confined for those purposes does not in the aggregate exceed 72 hours; or
(c)while that bird is undergoing examination or treatment by a veterinary surgeon or veterinary practitioner.
(3)Every person who—
(a)promotes, arranges, conducts, assists in, receives money for, or takes part in, any event whatever at or in the course of which captive birds are liberated by hand or by any other means whatever for the purpose of being shot immediately after their liberation; or
(b)being the owner or occupier of any land, permits that land to be used for the purposes of such an event,
shall be guilty of an offenceF42. . . .
Textual Amendments
F41Words in s. 8(1) repealed (30.1.2001 for E.W. and 26.3.2003 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6)) and by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 86, 89(2)(d), Sch. 5
F42Words in s. 8(3) repealed (30.1.2001 for E.W. and 26.3.2003 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV (with Sch. 12 para. 10(6)) and by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 86, 89(2)(d), Sch. 5
Textual Amendments
F43 Words in Pt. I cross-heading added (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 7(2), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(e)
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person intentionally kills, injures or takes any wild animal included in Schedule 5, he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person has in his possession or control any live or dead wild animal included in Schedule 5 or any part of, or anything derived from, such an animal, he shall be guilty of an offence.
(3)A person shall not be guilty of an offence under subsection (2) if he shows that—
(a)the animal had not been killed or taken, or had been killed or taken otherwise than in contravention of the relevant provisions; or
(b)the animal or other thing in his possession or control had been sold (whether to him or any other person) otherwise than in contravention of those provisions
and in this subsection "the relevant provisions" means the provisions of this Part and of the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act 1975
[F44(4)Subject to the provisions of this Part, a person is guilty of an offence if intentionally or recklessly—
(a)he damages or destroys any structure or place which any wild animal specified in Schedule 5 uses for shelter or protection;
(b)he disturbs any such animal while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection; or
(c)he obstructs access to any structure or place which any such animal uses for shelter or protection.]
[F45(4A)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person intentionally or recklessly disturbs any wild animal included in Schedule 5 as—
(a)a dolphin or whale (cetacea), or
(b)a basking shark (cetorhinus maximus),
he shall be guilty of an offence.]
(5)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)sells, offers or exposes for sale, or has in his possession or transports for the purpose of sale, any live or dead wild animal included in Schedule 5, or any part of, or anything derived from, such an animal; or
(b)publishes or causes to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that he buys or sells, or intends to buy or sell, any of those things,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(6)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (1), (2) or (5)(a) , the animal in question shall be presumed to have been a wild animal unless the contrary is shown.
Extent Information
E8This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
Textual Amendments
F44 S. 9(4) substituted (E.W.) (21.8.2007) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1843) {reg. 7(4)}
F45 S. 9(4A) inserted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37 , ss. 81(1), 103(2), Sch. 12 para. 5(b)
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person intentionally [F794or recklessly] kills, injures or takes any wild animal included in Schedule 5, he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person has in his possession or control any live or dead wild animal included in Schedule 5 or any part of, or anything derived from, such an animal, he shall be guilty of an offence.
(3)A person shall not be guilty of an offence under subsection (2) if he shows that—
(a)the animal had not been killed or taken, or had been killed or taken [F795at or from a place in Scotland] otherwise than in contravention of the relevant provisions; F796. . .
(b)the animal or other thing in his possession or control had been sold [F797at a place in Scotland] (whether to him or any other person) otherwise than in contravention of those provisions [F798; or
(c)that the animal or other thing in his possession or control had been killed at, taken from or sold at a place outwith Scotland and—
(i)that the act of killing, taking or sale would not, if it had been committed in Scotland, have been in contravention of the relevant provisions; or
(ii)that the animal or other thing had been brought from the place where it was killed, taken or sold in accordance with the relevant regulations.]
F799. . .
[F800(3A)In subsection (3)—
“the relevant provisions” means such of the provisions of the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act 1975 (c. 48) and this Part as were in force at the time when the animal was killed or taken or, as the case may be, the animal or other thing was sold, and
“the relevant regulations” means—
Council Regulation 338/97/EC on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade, and
Commission Regulation 1808/2001/EC on the implementation of that Council Regulation,
as amended from time to time (or any Community instrument replacing either of them).]
(4)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person intentionally [F801or recklessly]—
(a)damages or destroys, or obstructs access to, any structure or place which any wild animal included in Schedule 5 uses for shelter or protection; or
(b)disturbs any such animal while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
[F802(4A)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who, intentionally or recklessly, disturbs or harasses any wild animal included in Schedule 5 as a—
(a)dolphin, whale or porpoise (cetacea); or
(b)basking shark (cetorhinus maximus),
shall be guilty of an offence.]
(5)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)sells, offers or exposes for sale, or has in his possession or transports for the purpose of sale, any live or dead wild animal included in Schedule 5, or any part of, or anything derived from, such an animal; or
(b)publishes or causes to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that he buys or sells, or intends to buy or sell, any of those things,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
[F803(5A)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who knowingly causes or permits to be done an act which is made unlawful by any of the foregoing provisions of this section (other than subsection (5)(b)) shall be guilty of an offence.]
(6)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (1), (2) or (5)(a) [F804or for an offence under subsection (5A) relating to an act which is mentioned in subsection (1), (2) or (5)(a)], the animal in question shall be presumed to have been a wild animal unless the contrary is shown.
Extent Information
E39This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F794 Word in s. 9(1) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 8(2); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F795 Words in s. 9(3)(a) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 8(3)(a); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F796 Word in s. 9(3)(a) repealed (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 8(3)(b); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F797 Words in s. 9(3)(b) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 8(3)(c); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F798 S. 9(3)(c) and preceding word inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 8(3)(d); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F799 Words in s. 9(3) repealed (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 8(3)(e); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F800 S. 9(3A) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 8(4); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F801 Words in s. 9(4) inserted (30.1.2001 for E.W. and 1.10.2004 for S.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 81(1), 103(2), Sch. 12 para. 5(a) and by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 8(5); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F802 S. 9(4A) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 8(6); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F803 S. 9(5A) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 8(7); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F804 Words in s. 9(6) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 8(8); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
(1)Nothing in section 9 shall make unlawful—
(a)anything done in pursuance of a requirement by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or the Secretary of State under section 98 of the M6Agriculture Act 1947, or by the Secretary of State under section 39 of the M7Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948; F46...
(b)anything done under, or in pursuance of an order made under, the M8Animal Health Act 1981. [F47or
(c)anything done in relation to an animal of any species pursuant to a licence granted by Natural England under regulation 55 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1012) in respect of an animal or animals of that species]
(2)Nothing in subsection (4) of section 9 shall make unlawful anything done within a dwelling-house.
(3)Notwithstanding anything in section 9, a person shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of—
(a)the taking of any such animal if he shows that the animal had been disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act and was taken solely for the purpose of tending it and releasing it when no longer disabled;
(b)the killing of any such animal if he shows that the animal had been so seriously disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act that there was no reasonable chance of its recovering; or
(c)any act made unlawful by that section if he shows that the act was the incidental result of a lawful operation and could not reasonably have been avoided.
(4)Notwithstanding anything in section 9, an authorised person shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of the killing or injuring of a wild animal included in Schedule 5 if he shows that his action was necessary for the purpose of preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber or any other form of property or to fisheries.
(5)A person shall not be entitled to rely on the defence provided by subsection (2) or (3)(c) as respects anything done in relation to a bat otherwise than in the living area of a dwelling house unless he had notified the [F48conservation body][F49for the area in which the house is situated or, as the case may be, the act is to take place] of the proposed action or operation and allowed them a reasonable time to advise him as to whether it should be carried out and, if so, the method to be used.
(6)An authorised person shall not be entitled to rely on the defence provided by subsection (4) as respects any action taken at any time if it had become apparent, before that time, that that action would prove necessary for the purpose mentioned in that subsection and either—
(a)a licence under section 16 authorising that action had not been applied for as soon as reasonably practicable after that fact had become apparent; or
(b)an application for such a licence had been determined.
Extent Information
E9This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
Textual Amendments
F46Word in s. 10(1)(a) omitted (E.W.) (30.9.2022) by virtue of Environment Act 2021 (c. 30), ss. 111(1)(a), 147(3) (with s. 144); S.I. 2022/518, regs. 1(2), 3(b)
F47S. 10(1)(c) and word inserted (E.W.) (30.9.2022) by Environment Act 2021 (c. 30), ss. 111(1)(b), 147(3) (with s. 144); S.I. 2022/518, regs. 1(2), 3(b)
F48 Words in s. 10(5) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 105(1), 107, Sch. 11 para. 70; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
F49 Words in s. 10(5) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 132, Sch. 9 para. 11(2); S.I. 1991/685, art.3.
Marginal Citations
(1)Nothing in section 9 shall make unlawful—
(a)anything done in pursuance of a requirement by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or the Secretary of State under section 98 of the M6Agriculture Act 1947, or by the Secretary of State under section 39 of the M7Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948; or
(b)anything done under, or in pursuance of an order made under, the M8Animal Health Act 1981.
(2)Nothing in subsection (4) of section 9 shall make unlawful anything done within a dwelling-house.
(3)Notwithstanding anything in section 9, a person shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of—
(a)the taking of any such animal if he shows that the animal had been disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act and was taken solely for the purpose of tending it and releasing it when no longer disabled;
(b)the killing of any such animal if he shows that the animal had been so seriously disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act that there was no reasonable chance of its recovering; or
(c)any act made unlawful by that section [F805 (“an unlawful act”) if he shows—
(i)that each of the conditions specified in subsection (3A) was satisfied in relation to the carrying out of the unlawful act, or
(ii)that the unlawful act was carried out in relation to an animal bred and, at the time the act was carried out, lawfully held in captivity.]
[F806(3A)Those conditions are—
(a)that the unlawful act was the incidental result of a lawful operation or other activity;
(b)that the person who carried out the lawful operation or other activity—
(i)took reasonable precautions for the purpose of avoiding carrying out the unlawful act; or
(ii)did not foresee, and could not reasonably have foreseen, that the unlawful act would be an incidental result of the carrying out of the lawful operation or other activity; and
(c)that the person who carried out the unlawful act took, immediately upon the consequence of that act becoming apparent to the person, such steps as were reasonably practicable in the circumstances to minimise the damage or disturbance to the wild animal, or the damage or obstruction to the structure or place, in relation to which the unlawful act was carried out.]
(4)Notwithstanding anything in section 9, an authorised person shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of the killing or injuring of a wild animal included in Schedule 5 if he shows that his action was necessary for the purpose of preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber or any other form of property or to fisheries.
(5)A person shall not be entitled to rely on the defence provided by subsection (2) or (3)(c) as respects anything done in relation to a bat otherwise than in the living area of a dwelling house unless he had notified the [F807conservation body][F49for the area in which the house is situated or, as the case may be, the act is to take place] of the proposed action or operation and allowed them a reasonable time to advise him as to whether it should be carried out and, if so, the method to be used.
(6)An authorised person shall not be entitled to rely on the defence provided by subsection (4) as respects any action taken at any time if it had become apparent, before that time, that that action would prove necessary for the purpose mentioned in that subsection and either—
(a)a licence under section 16 authorising that action had not been applied for as soon as reasonably practicable after that fact had become apparent; or
(b)an application for such a licence had been determined.
[F808(6A)An authorised person shall not be entitled to rely on the defence provided by subsection (4) as respects any action taken at any time unless he notified the Scottish Ministers as soon as reasonably practicable after that time that he had taken the action.]
Extent Information
E40This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F49 Words in s. 10(5) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 132, Sch. 9 para. 11(2); S.I. 1991/685, art.3.
F805 Words in s. 10(3)(c) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 9(a); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F806 S. 10(3A) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 9(b); S.S.I. 2004/407 , art. 2
F807 Words in s. 10(5) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 105(1), 107, Sch. 11 para. 70; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
F808 S. 10(6A) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 9(c); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
Marginal Citations
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who intentionally or recklessly kills, injures or takes any wild animal included in Schedule 5A in the close season for the animal is guilty of an offence.
(2)In this section, “close season” means—
F51(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)in the case of a brown hare, the period in any year beginning with 1st February and ending with 30th September.
(3)The Scottish Ministers may by order vary the close season for any wild animal included in Schedule 5A which is specified in the order.
(4)If it appears to the Scottish Ministers expedient that any wild animals included in Schedule 5A should be protected during any period outside the close season for those animals, they may by order declare any period not exceeding 14 days as a period of special protection for those animals.
(5)Before making an order under subsection (4), the Scottish Ministers must consult such persons appearing to them to be representative of persons interested in the killing or taking of animals of the kind proposed to be protected by the order as they consider appropriate.
(6)Where an order is made under subsection (4), this section has effect as if any period of special protection declared by the order forms part of the close season for those animals.
(7)An order under subsection (3) or (4) may be made as respects the whole of Scotland or any part of Scotland specified in the order.
(8)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (1), the animal in question is to be presumed to have been a wild animal unless the contrary is shown.
Textual Amendments
F50Ss. 10A, 10B inserted (S.) (29.6.2011 for specified purposes, 1.1.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 6(2), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(d); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)A person is not guilty of an offence under section 10A(1) by reason of the killing of an animal included in Schedule 5A if he shows that the animal had been so seriously disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act that there was no reasonable chance of its recovering.
(2)A person is not guilty of an offence under section 10A(1) by reason of taking any such animal if he shows that—
(a)he had a legal right to take such an animal or permission, from a person who had a right to give permission, to take such an animal; and
(b)the animal—
(i)had been disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act; and
(ii)was taken solely for the purpose of tending it and releasing it when no longer disabled.
(3)An authorised person is not guilty of an offence under section 10A(1) by reason of the killing or injuring of an animal included in Schedule 5A if he shows that his action was necessary for the purpose of preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber or any other form of property or to fisheries.
(4)An authorised person is not entitled to rely on the defence provided by subsection (3) as respects any action if––
(a)it had become apparent, before the action was taken, that it would prove necessary for the purpose mentioned in that subsection; and
(b)either—
(i)a licence under section 16 authorising the action had not been applied for as soon as reasonably practicable after that fact had become apparent; or
(ii)an application for such a licence had been determined.
(5)An authorised person is not entitled to rely on the defence provided by subsection (3) as respects any action unless he notified the appropriate authority as soon as reasonably practicable after the action was taken that he had taken it.
(6)In subsection (5), “the appropriate authority” has the same meaning as in section 16(9).
(7)Nothing in section 10A makes unlawful—
(a)anything done in pursuance of a requirement by the Scottish Ministers under section 39 of the Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948; or
(b)anything done under, or in pursuance of an order made under, the Animal Health Act 1981.]
Textual Amendments
F50Ss. 10A, 10B inserted (S.) (29.6.2011 for specified purposes, 1.1.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 6(2), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(d); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)sets in position [F52otherwise than in Wales] any self-locking snare which is of such a nature and so placed as to be calculated to cause bodily injury to any wild animal coming into contact therewith;
(b)uses [F53otherwise than in Wales] for the purpose of killing or taking any wild animal any self-locking snare, whether or not of such a nature or so placed as aforesaid, any bow or cross-bow or any explosive other than ammunition for a firearm; F54 . . .
[F55(ba)sets in position in Wales any snare, or other cable restraint, which is of such a nature and so placed as to be likely to cause bodily injury to any wild animal coming into contact with it;
(bb)uses in Wales for the purpose of killing or taking any wild animal any snare, or other cable restraint, whether or not of such a nature or so placed as aforesaid;
(bc)sets in position in Wales any glue trap which is of such a nature and so placed as to be likely to catch any animal coming into contact with it;
(bd)uses in Wales for the purpose of killing or taking any animal any glue trap, whether or not of such a nature or so placed as aforesaid;]
[F56(be)uses in Wales for the purpose of killing or taking any wild animal any bow or cross-bow or any explosive other than ammunition for a firearm;]
(c)uses as a decoy, for the purpose of killing or taking any wild animal, any live mammal or bird whatever, [F57; or
(d)knowingly causes or permits to be done an act which is mentioned in the foregoing provisions of this section,]
he shall be guilty of an offence.
[F58(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, a person shall be guilty of an offence if that person—
(a)uses [F59, otherwise than in Wales,] any trap or snare [F60, or in Wales, any trap other than a glue trap,] for the purpose of killing or taking or restraining any wild animal included in Schedule 6 or 6ZA;
(b)sets in position [F61, otherwise than in Wales,] any trap or snare [F62, or in Wales, any trap other than a glue trap,] of such a nature and so placed as to be—
(i)in England F63..., calculated to cause bodily injury to any wild animal included in Schedule 6 or 6ZA;
(ii)in Scotland [F64or Wales], likely to cause bodily injury to any such wild animal;
(c)sets in position any electrical device for killing or stunning, or any poisonous, poisoned or stupefying substance, of such a nature and so placed as to be—
(i)in England F65..., calculated to cause bodily injury to any wild animal included in Schedule 6;
(ii)in Scotland [F66or Wales], likely to cause bodily injury to any such wild animal;
(d)uses for the purpose of killing or taking any wild animal included in Schedule 6—
(i)any electrical device for killing or stunning;
(ii)any poisonous, poisoned or stupefying substance;
(iii)any net;
(iv)any automatic or semi-automatic weapon;
(v)any device for illuminating a target or sighting device for night shooting;
(vi)any form of artificial light or any mirror or other dazzling device;
(vii)any gas or smoke not falling within sub-paragraph (ii);
(viii)any sound recording used as a decoy; or
(ix)any mechanically propelled vehicle in immediate pursuit of any such animal;
(e)uses any mechanically propelled vehicle for the purpose of driving any wild animal included in Schedule 6; or
(f)knowingly causes or permits to be done an act mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e).]
(3)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)sets in position [F67or knowingly causes or permits to be set in position] [F68, otherwise than in Wales,] any snare which is of such a nature and so placed as to be calculated to cause bodily injury to any wild animal coming into contact therewith; and
(b)while the snare remains in position fails, without reasonable excuse, to inspect it, or cause it to be inspected, at least once every day,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(4)The Secretary of State may, for the purpose of complying with an international obligation, by order, either generally or in relation to any kind of wild animal specified in the order, amend subsection (1) or (2) by adding any method of killing or taking wild animals or by omitting any such method as is mentioned in that subsection.
(5)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (1)(b) [F69(ba), (bb)] or (c) or [F70(2)(a), (d) or (e)], [F71and in any proceedings for an offence under subsection (1)(d) or (2)(f) relating to an act which is mentioned in any of those paragraphs] the animal in question shall be presumed to have been a wild animal unless the contrary is shown.
(6)In any proceedings for an offence under [F72subsection (2)(b) or (c)] it shall be a defence to show that the article was set in position by the accused for the purpose of killing or taking, in the interests of public health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries or nature conservation, any wild animals which could be lawfully killed or taken by those means and that he took all reasonable precautions to prevent injury thereby to any wild animals included in [F73the relevant Schedule].
F74[(7)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (2)(f) relating to an act which is mentioned in [F75subsection (2)(b) or (c)] it shall be a defence to show that the article was set in position for the purpose of killing or taking, in the interests of public health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries or nature conservation, any wild animals which could be lawfully killed or taken by those means and that he took or caused to be taken all reasonable precautions to prevent injury thereby to any wild animals included in [F76the relevant Schedule].]
[F77(7ZA)For the purposes of paragraphs (bc) and (bd) of subsection (1), “animal means a vertebrate (other than a human).]
[F78(7A)In subsections (6) and (7), “the relevant Schedule” means—
(a)where proceedings relate to an offence under subsection (2)(b), Schedule 6 or 6ZA;
(b)where proceedings relate to an offence under subsection (2)(c), Schedule 6.]
Extent Information
E10This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
Textual Amendments
F52Words in s. 11(1)(a) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(2)(a), 56(2)(d)
F53Words in s. 11(1)(b) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(2)(b), 56(2)(d)
F54 Word "or" in s. 11(1)(b) omitted (25.9.1991) by virtue of Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 2(2)(a), 3(3).
F55S. 11(1)(ba)-(bd) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 46(a), 56(2)(d)
F56S. 11(1)(be) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(2)(c), 56(2)(d)
F57 Word "or" and s. 11(1)(d) inserted (25.9.1991) by Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 2(2)(b), 3(3).
F58S. 11(2) substituted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(2)
F59Words in s. 11(2)(a) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(3)(a)(i), 56(2)(d)
F60Words in s. 11(2)(a) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(3)(a)(ii), 56(2)(d)
F61Words in s. 11(2)(b) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(3)(b)(i), 56(2)(d)
F62Words in s. 11(2)(b) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(3)(b)(ii), 56(2)(d)
F63Words in s. 11(2)(b)(i) omitted (W.) (17.10.2023) by virtue of Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 47(a)(i), 56(2)(d)
F64Words in s. 11(2)(b)(ii) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 47(a)(ii), 56(2)(d)
F65Words in s. 11(2)(c)(i) omitted (W.) (17.10.2023) by virtue of Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 47(b)(i), 56(2)(d)
F66Words in s. 11(2)(c)(ii) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 47(b)(ii), 56(2)(d)
F67 Words in s. 11(3)(a) inserted (25.9.1991) by Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 2(4), 3(3).
F68Words in s. 11(3)(a) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(4), 56(2)(d)
F69Words in s. 11(5) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(5), 56(2)(d)
F70Words in s. 11(5) substituted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(3)
F71 Words in s. 11(5) inserted (25.9.1991) by Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 2(5), 3(3).
F72Words in s. 11(6) substituted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(4)(a)
F73Words in s. 11(6) substituted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(4)(b)
F74 S. 11(7) added (25.9.1991) by Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 2(6), 3(3).
F75Words in s. 11(7) substituted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(4)(a)
F76Words in s. 11(7) substituted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(4)(b)
F77S. 11(7ZA) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 46(b), 56(2)(d)
F78S. 11(7A) inserted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(5)
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)sets in position [F809or otherwise uses] any self-locking snare [F810or a snare of any other type specified in an order made by the Scottish Ministers];
[F811(aa)sets in position or otherwise uses any other type of snare which is either of such a nature or so placed (or both) as to be calculated to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal coming into contact with it;]
(b)uses for the purpose of killing or taking any [F812animal] , any bow or cross-bow or any explosive other than ammunition for a firearm; F54 . . .
(c)uses as a decoy, for the purpose of killing or taking any wild animal, any live mammal or bird whatever, [F57; or
(d)knowingly causes or permits to be done an act which is mentioned in the foregoing provisions of this section,]
he shall be guilty of an offence.
[F813(1A)For the purposes of subsection (1)(aa), a snare which is of such a nature or so placed (or both) as to be calculated to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal coming into contact with it includes—
(a)where the person who sets in position or otherwise uses the snare does so to catch any animal other than a fox, a snare which is not fitted with a stop which is capable of preventing the noose of the snare reducing in circumference to less than 13 centimetres;
(b)where the person who sets in position or otherwise uses the snare does so to catch a fox, a snare which is not fitted with a stop which is capable of preventing the noose of the snare reducing in circumference to less than 23 centimetres;
(c)a snare which is neither—
(i)staked to the ground; nor
(ii)attached to an object,
in a manner which will prevent the snare being dragged by an animal caught by it; and
(d)a snare which is set in a place where an animal caught by the snare is likely to—
(i)become fully or partially suspended; or
(ii)drown.]
[F58(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, a person shall be guilty of an offence if that person—
(a)uses any trap or snare for the purpose of killing or taking or restraining any wild animal included in Schedule 6 or 6ZA;
(b)sets in position any trap or snare of such a nature and so placed as to be—
(i)in England and Wales, calculated to cause bodily injury to any wild animal included in Schedule 6 or 6ZA;
(ii)in Scotland, likely to cause bodily injury to any such wild animal;
(c)sets in position any electrical device for killing or stunning, or any poisonous, poisoned or stupefying substance, of such a nature and so placed as to be—
(i)in England and Wales, calculated to cause bodily injury to any wild animal included in Schedule 6;
(ii)in Scotland, likely to cause bodily injury to any such wild animal;
(d)uses for the purpose of killing or taking any wild animal included in Schedule 6—
(i)any electrical device for killing or stunning;
(ii)any poisonous, poisoned or stupefying substance;
(iii)any net;
(iv)any automatic or semi-automatic weapon;
(v)any device for illuminating a target or sighting device for night shooting;
(vi)any form of artificial light or any mirror or other dazzling device;
(vii)any gas or smoke not falling within sub-paragraph (ii);
(viii)any sound recording used as a decoy; or
(ix)any mechanically propelled vehicle in immediate pursuit of any such animal;
(e)uses any mechanically propelled vehicle for the purpose of driving any wild animal included in Schedule 6; or
(f)knowingly causes or permits to be done an act mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e).]
F814[F815(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F814(3A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F814(3B). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3C)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who—
(a)is, without reasonable excuse, in possession of; or
(b)sells, or offers or exposes for sale,
a snare which is capable of operating as a self-locking snare or a snare of any other type specified in an order under subsection (1)(a) shall be guilty of an offence.
F816(3D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3E)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who uses a snare otherwise than in accordance with such requirements as may be specified in an order made by the Scottish Ministers, or who knowingly causes or permits any other person to do so, shall be guilty of an offence.]
(4)The Secretary of State may, for the purpose of complying with an international obligation, by order, either generally or in relation to any kind of wild animal specified in the order, amend subsection (1) or (2) by adding any method of killing or taking wild animals or by omitting any such method as is mentioned in that subsection.
[F817(4A)The Scottish Ministers may by order specify—
(a)criteria which articles of a type referred to in subsections (1) to (3E) must meet to be treated as articles of that type for the purposes of those subsections,
(b)circumstances in which articles of that type are to be treated as having been set or used in a manner which constitutes an offence under those subsections.]
(5)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection [F818(1)(c)] or [F70(2)(a), (d) or (e)], [F71and in any proceedings for an offence under subsection (1)(d) or (2)(f) relating to an act which is mentioned in any of those paragraphs] the animal in question shall be presumed to have been a wild animal unless the contrary is shown.
(6)In any proceedings for an offence under [F72subsection (2)(b) or (c)] it shall be a defence to show that the article was set in position by the accused for the purpose of killing or taking, in the interests of public health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries or nature conservation, any wild animals which could be lawfully killed or taken by those means and that he took all reasonable precautions to prevent injury thereby to any wild animals included in [F73the relevant Schedule].
F74[(7)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (2)(f) relating to an act which is mentioned in [F75subsection (2)(b) or (c)] it shall be a defence to show that the article was set in position for the purpose of killing or taking, in the interests of public health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries or nature conservation, any wild animals which could be lawfully killed or taken by those means and that he took or caused to be taken all reasonable precautions to prevent injury thereby to any wild animals included in [F76the relevant Schedule].]
[F78(7A)In subsections (6) and (7), “the relevant Schedule” means—
(a)where proceedings relate to an offence under subsection (2)(b), Schedule 6 or 6ZA;
(b)where proceedings relate to an offence under subsection (2)(c), Schedule 6.]
Extent Information
E41This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F54 Word "or" in s. 11(1)(b) omitted (25.9.1991) by virtue of Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 2(2)(a), 3(3).
F57 Word "or" and s. 11(1)(d) inserted (25.9.1991) by Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 2(2)(b), 3(3).
F58S. 11(2) substituted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(2)
F70Words in s. 11(5) substituted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(3)
F71 Words in s. 11(5) inserted (25.9.1991) by Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 2(5), 3(3).
F72Words in s. 11(6) substituted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(4)(a)
F73Words in s. 11(6) substituted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(4)(b)
F74 S. 11(7) added (25.9.1991) by Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 (c. 39, SIF 4:5), ss. 2(6), 3(3).
F75Words in s. 11(7) substituted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(4)(a)
F76Words in s. 11(7) substituted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(4)(b)
F78S. 11(7A) inserted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 3(5)
F809 Words in s. 11(1)(a) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para.10(2)(a); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F810 Words in s. 11(1)(a) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para.10(2)(b); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F811 S. 11(1)(aa) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para.10(3); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F812 Words in s. 11(1)(b) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para.10(4); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F813S. 11(1A) inserted (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 13(2)(a), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(c)(i)
F814S. 11(3)-(3B) repealed (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 13(2)(b), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(c)(i)
F815 S. 11(3)-(3E) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) for s. 11(3) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para.10(6); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F816S. 11(3D) repealed (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 13(2)(b), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(c)(i)
F817 S. 11(4A) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para.10(7); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F818 Words in s. 11(5) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para.10(8); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
(1)Any person who sets a snare in position must have an identification number (see also subsections (3), (4) and (7) in relation to identification numbers and training).
(2)Any person who sets in position or otherwise uses a snare must ensure—
(a)that a tag is fitted on the snare in such a manner that it is not capable of being easily removed from the snare;
(b)that there is displayed on the tag (in a manner in which it will remain readable) the identification number of the person who set the snare in position; and
(c)where the snare is intended to catch the following types of animal—
(i)brown hares or rabbits; or
(ii)foxes,
that there is also displayed on the tag (in a manner in which it will remain readable) a statement that it is intended to catch the type of animal in question.
(3)For the purposes of this section and sections 11D and 11E, the identification number of a person who sets a snare in position is the identification number issued to him by [F80the] chief constable.
(4)[F81The] chief constable—
(a)on receipt of an appropriate application from any person for an identification number for the purpose of setting snares in position F82...; and
(b)on being satisfied that the applicant has been trained to set a snare in position and on the circumstances in which the setting of snares is an appropriate method of predator control,
must grant the application and issue the applicant with an identification number.
(5)Any person who fails to comply with subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.
(6)Any person who—
(a)has an identification number and sets in position or otherwise uses a snare; but
(b)fails to comply with subsection (2) in any respect,
is guilty of an offence.
F83(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(8)The Scottish Ministers may by order make provision as regards—
(a)when a person has been trained to set a snare in position and on the circumstances in which the setting of snares is an appropriate method of predator control;
(b)how [F84the] chief constable is to be satisfied that an applicant for an identification number has been so trained;
(c)the manner in which a tag is to be fitted for the purposes of subsection (2)(a) (including the material from which a tag is to be made);
(d)the manner in which an identification number is to appear on a tag for the purposes of subsection (2)(b), and in which a statement is to be displayed on a tag for the purposes of subsection (2)(c);
(e)the form of and manner of making an application for an identification number;
(f)the determining by the Scottish Ministers, or by [F85the chief constable] in accordance with the order, of any fee to accompany the application and the charging of any such fee;
(g)the issuing of identification numbers under subsection (4);
(h)the keeping of records of identification numbers issued, the persons to whom they are issued and the sharing of information from such records;
(i)such other matters in relation to training, tags or identification numbers (including the making of an application for, or the issuing of, an identification number) as they consider appropriate.
(9)In this section—
“appropriate application” means an application made in accordance with the provisions of an order under subsection (8);
[F86“chief constable” means the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland]
F87...
Textual Amendments
F79Ss. 11A-11F inserted (1.1.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 13(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(c)(ii)(3A)(a)(4)
F80Word in s. 11A(3) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 8(a)
F81Word in s. 11A(4) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 8(b)(i)
F82Words in s. 11A(4)(a) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 8(b)(ii)
F83S. 11A(7) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 8(c)
F84Word in s. 11A(8)(b) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 8(d)(i)
F85Words in s. 11A(8)(f) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 8(d)(ii)
F86Definition in s. 11A(9) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 8(e)(i)
F87Definition in s. 11A(9) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 8(e)(ii)
(1)Any person who sets a snare in position must while it remains in position inspect it or cause it to be inspected, at least once every day at intervals of no more than 24 hours, for the following purposes—
(a)to see whether any animal is caught by the snare; and
(b)to see whether the snare is free-running.
(2)Any person who while carrying out such an inspection—
(a)finds an animal caught by the snare must, during the course of the inspection, release or remove the animal (whether it is alive or dead); and
(b)finds that the snare is not free-running must remove the snare or restore it to a state in which it is free-running.
(3)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who—
(a)without reasonable excuse, contravenes subsection (1); or
(b)contravenes subsection (2),
is guilty of an offence.
(4)For the purposes of this section, a snare is “free-running” if—
(a)it is not self-locking;
(b)it is not capable (whether because of rust, damage or other condition or matter) of locking; and
(c)subject only to the restriction on such movement created by the stop fitted in accordance with section 11(1A)(a) or (b), the noose of the snare is able at all times freely to become wider or tighten (and is not prevented from doing so whether because of rust, damage or other condition or matter other than the stop).
Textual Amendments
F79Ss. 11A-11F inserted (1.1.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 13(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(c)(ii)(3A)(a)(4)
Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who without reasonable excuse—
(a)while on any land has in his possession any snare without the authorisation of the owner or occupier of the land; or
(b)sets any snare in position on any land without the authorisation of the owner or occupier of the land,
is guilty of an offence.
Textual Amendments
F79Ss. 11A-11F inserted (1.1.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 13(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(c)(ii)(3A)(a)(4)
The identification number which appears on a tag fitted on a snare is presumed in any proceedings to be the identification number of the person who set the snare in position.
Textual Amendments
F79Ss. 11A-11F inserted (1.1.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 13(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(c)(ii)(3A)(a)(4)
(1)Any person who has an identification number must keep a record of the following—
(a)the location of every snare set in position by the person which remains in position;
(b)the location of every other snare set in position by the person within the past two years;
(c)the date on which each snare mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) was set;
(d)the date on which each snare mentioned in paragraph (b) was removed;
(e)in relation to each animal caught in a snare mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b)—
(i)the type of animal;
(ii)the date it was found;
(f)such other information as the Scottish Ministers may by order specify.
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(a) and (b), the location of a snare is to be recorded—
(a)by reference to a map; or
(b)by such other means (for example, by means of a description) capable of readily identifying the location.
(3)Any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with the duty under subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.
(4)Any person who—
(a)is requested to produce the record kept under subsection (1) to a constable; and
(b)fails to do so within 21 days of being so requested,
is guilty of an offence.
(5)Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to any snare set in position by a person before the person is issued with an identification number.
Textual Amendments
F79Ss. 11A-11F inserted (1.1.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 13(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(c)(ii)(3A)(a)(4)
(1)The Scottish Ministers must carry out, or secure the carrying out by another person of, a review of the operation and effect of—
(a)section 11 and any orders made under that section (in so far as the section and the orders make provision as regards snaring);
(b)sections 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D and 11E and any orders made under those sections.
(2)A review must be carried out under subsection (1) no later than—
(a)31st December 2016 (“the first review date”);
(b)the end of the period of 5 years beginning with the first review date; and
(c)the end of each subsequent period of 5 years.
(3)In carrying out a review under subsection (1), the matters that must be considered include whether in the opinion of the Ministers (or, if the review is being carried out by another person, that person) amendment of this Act or enactment of other legislation is appropriate.
(4)In carrying out a review under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers (or, if the review is being carried out by another person, that person) must consult such persons and organisations as they consider (or, as the case may be, the other person considers) have an interest in it.
(5)The Scottish Ministers must, as soon as practicable after a review is carried out under subsection (1), lay a report of the review before the Scottish Parliament.]
Textual Amendments
F79Ss. 11A-11F inserted (1.1.2012 for specified purposes, 22.11.2012 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 13(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(c)(ii)(3A)(a)(4)
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who intentionally or recklessly kills, injures or takes any wild animal included in Schedule 6A is guilty of an offence.
(2)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (1), the animal in question is to be presumed to have been a wild animal unless the contrary is shown.
Textual Amendments
F88 Ss. 11G , 11H inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 7(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(e)
(1)A person is not guilty of an offence under section 11G(1)—
(a)by reason of the killing of an animal included in Schedule 6A if he had a legal right, or permission from a person who had a right to give permission, to kill such an animal; or
(b)by reason of the taking of such an animal if he had a legal right, or permission from a person who had a right to give permission, to take such an animal.
(2)A person is not guilty of an offence under section 11G(1) by reason of the killing of an animal included in Schedule 6A if he shows that the animal had been so seriously disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act that there was no reasonable chance of its recovering.
(3)Nothing in section 11G makes unlawful—
(a)anything done in pursuance of a requirement by the Scottish Ministers under section 39 of the Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948; or
(b)anything done under, or in pursuance of an order made under, the Animal Health Act 1981.]
Textual Amendments
F88 Ss. 11G , 11H inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 7(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(e)
(1)Any person who does any of the following is guilty of an offence—
(a)has in his possession or control any live or dead wild animal which has been killed or taken in contravention of section 10A or 11G, or any part of or anything derived from such an animal;
(b)sells, offers or exposes for sale, or has in his possession or transports for the purposes of sale any such animal or any part of or anything derived from such an animal; or
(c)publishes or causes to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that he buys or sells or intends to buy or sell any of those things.
(2)A person is not guilty of an offence under subsection (1) in relation to an activity mentioned in that subsection if he shows that he carried out the activity concerned with reasonable excuse.
(3)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (1), the animal in question is to be presumed to have been a wild animal unless the contrary is shown.]
Textual Amendments
F89S. 11I inserted (S.) (29.6.2011 for specified purposes, 1.1.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 8(2), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(f); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(b)
Schedule 7, which amends certain Acts prohibiting night shooting of hares and rabbits by occupiers of land etc., has effect.]
Textual Amendments
F90S. 12YA inserted (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 11(2), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(b)
[F91Schedule 7, which amends the law relating to the protection of certain mammals, shall have effect.]
Textual Amendments
F91S. 12 repealed (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 11(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)intentionally picks, uproots or destroys any wild plant included in Schedule 8; or
(b)not being an authorised person, intentionally uproots any wild plant not included in that Schedule,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)sells, offers or exposes for sale, or has in his possession or transports for the purpose of sale, any live or dead wild plant included in Schedule 8, or any part of, or anything derived from, such a plant; or
(b)publishes or causes to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that he buys or sells, or intends to buy or sell, any of those things,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(3)Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), a person shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of any act made unlawful by that subsection if he shows that the act was an incidental result of a lawful operation and could not reasonably have been avoided.
(4)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (2)(a), the plant in question shall be presumed to have been a wild plant unless the contrary is shown.
Extent Information
E11This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)intentionally [F819or recklessly] picks, uproots or destroys
[F820(i)] any wild plant included in Schedule 8; or
[F821(ii)any seed or spore attached to any such wild plant; or]
(b)not being an authorised person, intentionally [F822or recklessly] uproots any wild plant not included in that Schedule,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person—
(a)sells, offers or exposes for sale, or has in his possession or transports for the purpose of sale, any live or dead wild plant included in Schedule 8, or any part of, or anything derived from, such a plant; or
(b)publishes or causes to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that he buys or sells, or intends to buy or sell, any of those things,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(3)Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), a person shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of any act made unlawful by that subsection [F823 (“an unlawful act”) if he shows—
(a)that the unlawful act was the incidental result of a lawful operation or other activity;
(b)that the person who carried out the lawful operation or other activity—
(i)took reasonable precautions for the purpose of avoiding carrying out the unlawful act; or
(ii)did not foresee, and could not reasonably have foreseen, that the unlawful act would be an incidental result of the carrying out of the lawful operation or other activity; and
(c)that the person who carried out the unlawful act took, immediately upon the consequence of that act becoming apparent, such steps as were reasonably practicable in the circumstances to minimise the damage to the wild plant in relation to which the unlawful act was carried out.]
[F824(3A)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who knowingly causes or permits to be done an act which is made unlawful by any of the foregoing provisions of this section shall be guilty of an offence.]
(4)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (2)(a) [F825or for an offence under subsection (3A) relating to an act which is mentioned in subsection (2)(a)] , the plant in question shall be presumed to have been a wild plant unless the contrary is shown.
Extent Information
E42This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F819Words in s. 13(1)(a) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 11(2)(a); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F820Words in s. 13(1)(a) renumbered (S.) (1.10.2004) as s. 13(1)(a)(i) by virtue of Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 11(2)(b); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F821S. 13(1)(a)(ii) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 11(2)(c); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F822Words in s. 13(1)(b) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 11(3); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F823Words in s. 13(3) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 11(4); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F824S. 13(3A) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 11(5); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F825Words in s. 13(4) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 11(6); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person releases or allows to escape into the wild any animal which—
(a)is of a kind which is not ordinarily resident in and is not a regular visitor to Great Britain in a wild state; or
(b)is included in Part I[F92, IA or IB] of Schedule 9,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person plants or otherwise causes to grow in the wild any plant which is included in Part II of Schedule 9, he shall be guilty of an offence.
(3)Subject to subsection (4), it shall be a defence to a charge of committing an offence under subsection (1) or (2) to prove that the accused took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.
(4)Where the defence provided by subsection (3) involves an allegation that the commission of the offence was due to the act or default of another person, the person charged shall not, without leave of the court, be entitled to rely on the defence unless, within a period ending seven clear days before the hearing, he has served on the prosecutor a notice giving such information identifying or assisting in the identification of the other person as was then in his possession.
[F93(4ZA)Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to species included on [F94the list of species in the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1141 adopting a list of invasive alien species of Union concern pursuant to Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council], as amended from time to time.]
[F95(4A)Schedule 9A contains provision about species control agreements and orders and related matters.]
F96(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F96(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extent Information
E12This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
Textual Amendments
F92Words in s. 14(1)(b) inserted (E.W.) (5.3.2015 for E.) by Infrastructure Act 2015 (c. 7), ss. 25(2), 57(4); S.I. 2015/481, reg. 2(c)
F93S. 14(4ZA) inserted (E.W.) (1.12.2019) by The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/527), art. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 1(2) (with art. 1(2)(4)) (as amended by S.I. 2019/1213, regs. 1, 2(2))
F94Words in s. 14(4ZA) substituted (E.W.) (31.12.2020) by The Animal Health, Invasive Alien Species, Plant Breeders’ Rights and Seeds (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1220), regs. 1(2)(c), 6(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F95S. 14(4A) inserted (E.W.) (12.4.2015) by Infrastructure Act 2015 (c. 7), ss. 23(2), 57(4); S.I. 2015/481, reg. 3(a); S.I. 2015/990, reg. 2
F96S. 14(5)(6) repealed (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 102, 103(2), Sch. 16 Pt. IV
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C5S. 14 excluded (E.W.) (21.8.2007) by S.I. 1994/2716, reg. 37C(9) (as inserted by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1843) {reg. 5(12)}
C6S. 14 excluded (E.W.) (1.4.2010) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/490), regs. 1(2), 52(8)
C7S. 14 excluded (E.W.) (30.11.2017) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1012), regs. 1(2), 54(8) (with reg. 56(2))
[F826(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who—
(a)releases, or allows to escape from captivity, any animal—
(i)to a place outwith its native range; or
(ii)of a type the Scottish Ministers, by order, specify; or
(b)otherwise causes any animal outwith the control of any person to be at a place outwith its native range,
is guilty of an offence.
(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who plants, or otherwise causes to grow, any plant in the wild at a place outwith its native range is guilty of an offence.
(2A)Subsection (1) does not apply to the following animals where those animals are released or allowed to escape from captivity for the purpose of being subsequently killed by shooting—
(a)common pheasant;
(b)red-legged partridge.
(2B)The Scottish Ministers may, by order, specify—
(a)other types of animals to which subsection (1)(a)(i) or (1)(b) does not apply; and
(b)types of plants to which subsection (2) does not apply.
(2C)The Scottish Ministers may, by order, disapply subsection (1) or (2) in relation to—
(a)any person specified in the order;
(b)any conduct undertaken for the purposes of any enactment (including any enactment contained in or made under an Act of the Scottish Parliament) so specified; or
(c)any conduct authorised by, under or in pursuance of any such enactment.
(2D)An order under subsection (1)(a)(ii), (2B) or (2C) may make different provision for different cases and, in particular, for—
(a)different types of animal or plant;
(b)different circumstances or purposes;
(c)different persons;
(d)different times of the year; and
(e)different areas or places.]
(3)Subject to subsection (4), it shall be a defence to a charge of committing an offence under subsection (1) or (2) to [F827show] that the accused took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.
(4)Where the defence provided by subsection (3) involves an allegation that the commission of the offence was due to the act or default of another person, the person charged shall not, without leave of the court, be entitled to rely on the defence unless, within a period ending seven clear days before the hearing, he has served on the prosecutor a notice giving such information identifying or assisting in the identification of the other person as was then in his possession.
F828(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F828(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extent Information
E43This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F826S. 14(1)-(2D) substituted for s. 14(1)(2) (S.) (1.5.2012 for specified purposes, 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 14(2)(a), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/116, art. 2(a)(i); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(a) (with art. 3(3))
F827Word in s. 14(3) substituted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 14(2)(b), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(a)
F828S. 14(5)(6) repealed (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 14(2)(c), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(a)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C7S. 14 excluded (E.W.) (30.11.2017) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1012), regs. 1(2), 54(8) (with reg. 56(2))
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, a person is guilty of an offence if he sells, offers or exposes for sale, or has in his possession or transports for the purposes of sale—
(a)an animal or plant to which this section applies, or
(b)anything from which such an animal or plant can be reproduced or propagated.
(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, a person is guilty of an offence if he publishes or causes to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that he buys or sells, or intends to buy or sell—
(a)an animal or plant to which this section applies, or
(b)anything from which such an animal or plant can be reproduced or propagated.
(3)This section applies to an animal or plant which—
(a)is within section 14(1) or (2) (animals and plants which must not be released etc. into the wild),
(b)is of a description prescribed for the purposes of this section by an order made by the Secretary of State, and
(c)is a live animal or live plant.
(4)An order under subsection (3) may be made in relation to a particular area or a particular time of the year.
(5)Subsections (3) and (4) of section 14 (defence of due diligence etc.) apply to an offence under this section as they apply to an offence under that section.]
Textual Amendments
F97S. 14ZA inserted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 50, 107; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
F98Words in s. 14ZA heading substituted (5.3.2015 for E.) by Infrastructure Act 2015 (c. 7), ss. 25(3), 57(4); S.I. 2015/481, reg. 2(c)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C8S. 14ZA(3)(b) applied (1.12.2019) by The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/527), arts. 1(1), 3(6) (with art. 1(2)(4)) (as amended by S.I. 2019/1213, regs. 1, 2(2))
(1)The Secretary of State may issue or approve a code of practice relating to—
(a)animals which are not ordinarily resident in and are not regular visitors to Great Britain in a wild state,
(b)animals or plants included in Schedule 9, or
(c)any description of animals or plants mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b).
(2)The Secretary of State may revise or replace a code or approve its revision or replacement.
(3)The Secretary of State must ensure that a code is published in a way that is appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it.
(4)A person's failure to comply with a provision of a code does not make him liable to criminal or civil proceedings.
(5)A code—
(a)is admissible in evidence in any proceedings, and
(b)must be taken into account by a court in any case in which it appears to the court to be relevant.]
Textual Amendments
F99S. 14ZB inserted (E.W.) (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 51, 107; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
F100Words in s. 14ZB heading substituted (5.3.2015 for E.) by Infrastructure Act 2015 (c. 7), ss. 25(4), 57(4); S.I. 2015/481, reg. 2(c)
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who keeps, has in the person's possession, or has under the person's control—
(a)any invasive animal of a type which the Scottish Ministers, by order, specify; or
(b)any invasive plant of a type so specified,
is guilty of an offence.
(2)An order under subsection (1) may make different provision for different cases and, in particular, for—
(a)different types of invasive animal or invasive plant;
(b)different circumstances or purposes;
(c)different persons;
(d)different times of the year; and
(e)different areas or places.
(3)Subject to subsection (4), it is a defence to a charge of committing an offence under subsection (1) to show that the accused took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.
(4)Where the defence provided by subsection (3) involves an allegation that the commission of the offence was due to the act or omission of another person, the person charged must not, without leave of the court, be entitled to rely on the defence unless, within a period ending 7 days before the hearing, the person has served on the prosecutor a notice giving such information or assisting in the identification of the other person as was then in the person's possession.
(5)The Scottish Ministers may, in an order under subsection (1), make provision for or in connection with the compensation of persons who, at the time of the coming into force of the order, may no longer keep, have in their possession or have under their control, an animal or plant.]
Textual Amendments
F101S. 14ZC inserted (S.) (1.5.2012 for specified purposes, 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 14(3), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/116, art. 2(a)(ii); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(a) (with art. 3(3))
[F104(1)This section applies to—
(a)any type of invasive animal; or
(b)any type of invasive plant,
the Scottish Ministers, by order, specify.]
(2)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who—
(a)sells, offers or exposes for sale or has in the person’s possession or transports for the purpose of sale any animal or plant to which this section applies; or
(b)publishes or causes to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that the person buys or sells, or intends to buy or sell, any such animal or plant,
is guilty of an offence.
[F105(3)An order under subsection (1) may make different provision for different cases and, in particular, for—
(a)different types of invasive animal or invasive plant;
(b)different circumstances or purposes;
(c)different persons;
(d)different times of the year; and
(e)different areas or places.]]
Textual Amendments
F102Ss. 14A, 14B inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 13; S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F103Word in s. 14A heading substituted (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 14(4)(a), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(a)
F104S. 14A(1) substituted (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 14(4)(b), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(a)
F105S. 14A(3) substituted (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 14(4)(c), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(a)
(1)A person commits an offence under this section if—
(a)the person contravenes a paragraph of Article 7(1) of the Invasive Alien Species Regulation mentioned in subsection (2) in relation to an invasive alien species, and
(b)the activity which constitutes that contravention does not constitute an offence under section 14, 14ZC or 14A.
(2)The paragraphs referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—
(a)paragraph (b) (keeping, including in contained holding),
(b)paragraph (c) (breeding, including in contained holding),
(c)paragraph (d) (transporting to, from or within the Union, except for the transportation of species to facilities in the context of eradication),
(d)paragraph (e) (placing on the market),
(e)paragraph (f) (using or exchanging),
(f)paragraph (g) (permitting to reproduce, growing or cultivating, including in contained holding),
(g)paragraph (h) (releasing into the environment).
(3)Subject to subsection (4), it is a defence to a charge of committing an offence under this section to show that the person took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.
(4)Where the defence provided by subsection (3) involves an allegation that the commission of the offence was due to the act or omission of another person, the person charged must not, without leave of the court, be entitled to rely on the defence unless, within the period of 7 days before the hearing, the person has served on the prosecutor a notice giving such information or assisting in the identification of the other person as was then in the person’s possession.
(5)Schedule 9B contains provision about defences to a charge of committing an offence under—
(a)this section, or
(b)section 14ZC or 14A, where the activity to which the charge relates contravenes Article 7(1) of the Invasive Alien Species Regulation.
(6)In this section [F107and section 14AB]—
“Invasive Alien Species Regulation” means Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species,
“invasive alien species” means a species, sub-species or lower taxon of animal, plant, fungus or micro-organism included on the [F108Scottish list of species of special concern].]
[F109“the Scottish list of species of special concern” means the list of species in the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1141 adopting a list of invasive alien species of Union concern pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council, as amended from time to time.]
Textual Amendments
F106S. 14AA inserted (S.) (1.11.2019) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, c.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/364), regs. 1(2), 2(2)
F107Words in s. 14AA(6) inserted (S.) (31.12.2020) by The Invasive Non-native Species (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment etc.) Regulations 2020 (S.S.I. 2020/473), regs. 1(1), 10(2)(a)(i)
F108Words in s. 14AA(6) substituted (S.) (31.12.2020) by The Invasive Non-native Species (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment etc.) Regulations 2020 (S.S.I. 2020/473), regs. 1(1), 10(2)(a)(ii)
F109Words in s. 14AA(6) inserted (S.) (31.12.2020) by The Invasive Non-native Species (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment etc.) Regulations 2020 (S.S.I. 2020/473), regs. 1(1), 10(2)(b)
[F11014AB.SContravention of emergency measures
(1)Section (2) applies where regulations made under Article 10 of the Invasive Alien Species Regulation (emergency measures) provide that a restriction set out in one of the following paragraphs of Article 7(1) of that Regulation applies to a species specified in those regulations as it applies to an invasive alien species—
(a)paragraph (b) (keeping, including in contained holding),
(b)paragraph (c) (breeding, including in contained holding),
(c)paragraph (d) (transporting to, from or within Scotland, except for the transportation of species to facilities in the context of eradication),
(d)paragraph (e) (placing on the market),
(e)paragraph (f) (using or exchanging),
(f)paragraph (g) (permitting to reproduce, growing or cultivating, including in contained holding),
(g)paragraph (h) (releasing into the environment).
(2)A person commits an offence under this section if—
(a)the person contravenes a paragraph of Article 7(1) of the Invasive Alien Species Regulation in relation to a species specified in regulations made under Article 10 of the Invasive Alien Species Regulation (emergency measures), and
(b)the activity which constitutes that contravention does not constitute an offence under section 14, 14ZC or 14A.
(3)Subsections (3) to (5) of section 14AA apply in relation to any contravention of the restriction in relation to a species mentioned in subsection (2)(a) as they apply in relation to a contravention of the corresponding restriction in relation to an invasive alien species.]
Textual Amendments
F110S. 14AB inserted (S.) (31.12.2020) by The Invasive Non-native Species (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment etc.) Regulations 2020 (S.S.I. 2020/473), regs. 1(1), 10(3)
(1)The Scottish Ministers may, by order, make provision about the notification of the presence of—
(a)invasive animals; or
(b)invasive plants,
at any specified place outwith their native range where persons are, or become, aware of the presence of such animals or plants.
(2)An order under subsection (1) may make provision for, or in connection with—
(a)the persons (or types of persons) who must make a notification;
(b)the circumstances in which a notification must be made;
(c)the times of the year when a notification must be made;
(d)the persons to whom a notification must be made;
(e)the form and method of any notification; and
(f)the period within which any notification must be made.
(3)An order under subsection (1) may require a person (or type of person) to make a notification only if the Scottish Ministers consider that the person (or that type of person) has or should have knowledge of, or is likely to encounter, the invasive animal or invasive plant to which the order relates.
(4)An order under subsection (1) may make different provision for different cases and, in particular, for—
(a)different types of invasive animal or invasive plant;
(b)different circumstances or purposes;
(c)different persons;
(d)different times of the year; and
(e)different areas or places.
(5)A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to make a notification in accordance with the requirements of an order made under subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.]
Textual Amendments
F111S. 14B substituted (S.) (1.5.2012 for specified purposes, 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 14(5), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/116, art. 2(a)(iii); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(a) (with art. 3(3))
(1)The Scottish Ministers may make a code of practice for the purpose of providing practical guidance in respect of—
(a)the application of any of sections 14, 14ZC, 14A [F113, 14AA] and 14B;
(b)the application of any order made under any of those sections;
(c)species control agreements;
(d)species control orders;
(e)licences granted under section 16(4)(c).
(2)A code of practice may, in particular, provide guidance on—
(a)how Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency F114... and the Scottish Ministers should co-ordinate the way in which they exercise their respective functions in relation to animals or plants which are outwith their native range;
(b)which species, sub-species, varieties or races of animal or plant, or hybrids of animals or plants, are considered to be particular types of animals or plants for the purposes of—
(i)this section;
[F115(ia)best practice for—
(i)keeping invasive alien species in contained holding,
(ii)measures to ensure such species cannot reproduce or escape,
(ib)the circumstances in which an animal which belongs to an invasive alien species is considered to be a companion animal,]
(ii)section 14, 14ZC, 14A or 14B;
(iii)any order made under any of those sections;
(iv)species control agreements;
(v)species control orders;
(vi)the code;
[F116(ba)which species, sub-species or lower taxons of animal, plant, fungus or micro-organism are considered to be invasive alien species,]
(c)the native range of any type of animal or plant;
(d)the circumstances in which any type of animal is considered to be—
(i)in captivity; or
(ii)under the control or otherwise of a person at a place outwith its native range;
(e)the circumstances in which a type of plant is considered to be growing in the wild outwith its native range, and conduct that would cause any type of plant to grow in the wild;
(f)the circumstances in which a type of invasive animal or plant is considered to be kept in a person's possession or under a person's control;
(g)which types of animals or plants are invasive and the circumstances (if any) in which any such type of animal or plant is not considered to be invasive;
(h)best practice (where permitted) for—
(i)keeping animals of any type which are invasive or which are kept at a place from which they may not be put outwith the control of any person;
(ii)keeping plants of any type which are invasive or which are kept at a place outwith their native range;
(iii)releasing animals of any type from captivity; and
(iv)planting, or otherwise causing to grow, any type of plant in the wild;
(i)best practice for—
(i)containing, capturing or killing animals of any type which are outwith the control of any person and which are—
(A)at a place outwith their native range; or
(B)animals of a type specified in an order made under section 14(1)(a)(ii);
(ii)containing, uprooting or destroying plants of any type which are growing in the wild outwith their native range; and
(iii)transferring animals or plants of any type which are not permitted to be kept by virtue of section 14ZC into the custody of Scottish Natural Heritage or any other person (and for keeping such animals or plants prior to the transfer);
(j)the making and content of species control agreements;
(k)the making, content of and enforcement of species control orders.
(3)The Scottish Ministers may revoke, replace or revise a code of practice.
(4)The first code of practice, and any replacement code of practice, made under this section—
(a)requires to be laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Scottish Parliament; and
(b)comes into effect on such date after approval under paragraph (a) as is specified in the code.
(5)Any revision to a code of practice (or revocation of a code of practice which is not being replaced) must—
(a)be laid before the Scottish Parliament; and
(b)specify the date on which it is to come into effect (such date to be at least 40 days after it is so laid, disregarding any period during which the Parliament is dissolved or in recess).
(6)The Scottish Parliament may, before any such revision or revocation comes into effect, resolve that it is not to come into effect.
(7)The Scottish Ministers must publish a code of practice (or any replacement or revision) made under this section no later than the day before the code (or replacement or revision) is to come into effect.
(8)Before making, revoking, replacing or revising a code of practice, the Scottish Ministers must consult—
(a)Scottish Natural Heritage; and
(b)any other person appearing to them to have an interest in the code.
(9)A person's failure to comply with a provision of a code of practice—
(a)does not of itself render the person liable to proceedings of any sort; but
(b)may be taken into account in determining any question in any such proceedings.
(10)In any proceedings for an offence under section 14, 14ZC, 14A, [F11714AA,] 14B or 14K—
(a)failure to comply with a relevant provision of a code of practice may be relied upon as tending to establish liability;
(b)compliance with a relevant provision of a code of practice may be relied upon as tending to negative liability.
[F118(11)In subsection (2)—
“contained holding” means closed facilities from which escape or spread is not possible,
“invasive alien species” has the same meaning as in section 14AA.]]
Textual Amendments
F112S. 14C inserted (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 15, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(d)
F113Word in s. 14C(1)(a) inserted (1.11.2019) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, c.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/364), regs. 1(2), 2(3)(a)
F114Words in s. 14C(2)(a) repealed (S.) (1.4.2019) by Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018 (asp 8), s. 85(2), sch. 2 (with s. 83); S.S.I. 2019/47, reg. 2 (with regs. 3-22)
F115S. 14C(2)(b)(ia)(ib) inserted (1.11.2019) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, c.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/364), regs. 1(2), 2(3)(b)(ii)
F116S. 14C(2)(ba) inserted (1.11.2019) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, c.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/364), regs. 1(2), 2(3)(b)(i)
F117Word in s. 14C(10) inserted (1.11.2019) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, c.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/364), regs. 1(2), 2(3)(c)
F118S. 14C(11) inserted (1.11.2019) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, c.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/364), regs. 1(2), 2(3)(d)
(1)A relevant body may make an order (a “species control order”) in respect of premises where—
(a)it is satisfied of the presence on the premises of—
(i)an invasive animal at a place outwith its native range; or
(ii)an invasive plant at a place outwith its native range; and
(b)any of subsections (2) to (4) applies.
(2)This subsection applies where—
(a)the relevant body has offered to enter into an agreement with the owner or, as the case may be, occupier of the premises to control or eradicate—
(i)invasive animals outwith their native range; or
(ii)invasive plants outwith their native range,
on the premises (referred to in this section as a “species control agreement”);
(b)42 days have elapsed since the date of the offer; and
(c)the owner or occupier has refused or otherwise failed to enter into the agreement.
(3)This subsection applies where—
(a)a person has entered into a species control agreement with the relevant body; and
(b)the person has failed to comply with the terms of the agreement.
(4)This subsection applies where the relevant body has failed to ascertain the name or address of any owner or occupier of the premises (having made reasonable efforts to do so) and accordingly has not been able to offer to enter into a species control agreement.
(5)Subsection (4) does not apply unless—
(a)the relevant body has given notice in accordance with subsection (6) stating that it wishes to offer to enter into a species control agreement;
(b)48 hours have passed since the notice was given; and
(c)no owner or occupier of the premises has identified themselves to the relevant body.
(6)A notice under this subsection must be addressed to “The owners and any occupiers” of the premises (describing it) and a copy of it must be affixed to some conspicuous object on the premises (in so doing the relevant body is to be treated as having provided notice to each owner or occupier whose name and address is unknown).
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)Where a relevant body considers that the making of a species control order is urgently necessary, the relevant body may, despite section 14D(1)(b), make a species control order whether or not any of subsections (2) to (4) of section 14D apply (such an order is referred to in this Part as an “emergency species control order”).
(2)An emergency species control order expires 49 days after it is made.
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)A species control order must—
(a)describe the premises to which it relates;
(b)be accompanied by a map on which the premises to which it relates are delineated;
(c)specify the type of invasive animal or plant in question;
(d)specify—
(i)any operations which are to be carried out on the premises for the purpose of controlling or eradicating the type of invasive animal or plant in question;
(ii)the person who is to carry out the operations; and
(iii)how and when the operations are to be carried out;
(e)specify any operations which must not be carried out on the premises (referred to in this Part as “excluded operations”);
(f)specify the date on which the order is to come into effect and the period for which it is to have effect; and
(g)set out the circumstances in which an appeal may be made under section 14H against either the decision to make the order or the terms of the order.
(2)A species control order—
(a)may provide for the making of payments by the relevant body making the order;
(b)other than an emergency species control order, may provide for the making of payments by the owner or occupier of the premises to which the order relates,
to any person in respect of reasonable costs incurred by a person carrying out an operation under the order.
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)A relevant body making a species control order must give notice of the making of the order—
(a)to the owner and any occupier of the premises to which the order relates; and
(b)where the relevant body is a body other than the Scottish Ministers, to the Scottish Ministers.
(2)Notice must—
(a)be in writing;
(b)specify the relevant body's reasons for making the order;
(c)attach a copy of the order; and
(d)where the order is an emergency species control order, state that fact.
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)Any owner or occupier of premises to which a species control order relates may appeal to the sheriff if aggrieved by—
(a)a decision of a relevant body to make the species control order; or
(b)the terms of such an order.
(2)An appeal under subsection (1) must be lodged not later than 28 days after the date on which the relevant body gave notice to the appellant of the decision being appealed.
(3)The sheriff may suspend any effect of an emergency species control order pending the determination of an appeal.
(4)The sheriff must determine an appeal under subsection (1) on the merits rather than by way of review and may do so by—
(a)affirming the order in question;
(b)directing the relevant body to amend the order in such manner as the sheriff may specify;
(c)directing the relevant body to revoke the order; or
(d)making such other order as the sheriff thinks fit.
(5)A decision of the sheriff on appeal is final except on a point of law.
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
Unless a species control order specifies a later date under section 14F(1)(f), such an order has effect from—
(a)in the case where an order is an emergency species control order, the giving of notice in accordance with section 14G;
(b)in any other case—
(i)the expiry of the time limit for appealing against the decision to make the order; or
(ii)where such an appeal is made, its withdrawal or final determination.
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)A relevant body which has made a species control order may, when it thinks fit, review the order prior to its expiry for the purposes of determining whether it should make an order revoking the order.
(2)If, on completion of a review, the relevant body decides that the species control order should be revoked, it may make an order to that effect.
(3)The making of an order to revoke a species control order does not prevent a relevant body subsequently making a species control order in relation to the same premises.
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)Any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to carry out, in the manner required by a species control order, an operation which the person is required by the order to carry out is guilty of an offence.
(2)Any person who intentionally obstructs any person from carrying out an operation required to be carried out under a species control order is guilty of an offence.
(3)Any person who, without reasonable excuse, carries out, or causes or permits to be carried out, any excluded operation is guilty of an offence.
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)This section applies where a relevant body considers—
(a)that any operation required to be carried out by a species control order it has made has not been carried out within the period or by the date specified in it; or
(b)that any such operation has been carried out otherwise than in the manner required under the order.
(2)The relevant body—
(a)may carry out the operation, or such further work as is necessary to ensure that it is carried out, in the manner required under the order;
(b)is not required to make any payment (and may recover any payments made) in pursuance of the species control order in relation to the operation in question; and
(c)may recover from the person whom the species control order required to carry out the operation any expenses reasonably incurred by it in doing so (less any payment which the relevant body is required to make in relation to the carrying out of the operation under the order by virtue of section 14F(2)(a)).
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)A person authorised in writing by a relevant body may enter any premises for any of the following purposes—
(a)to determine whether or not to offer to enter into a species control agreement with the owner or, as the case may be, occupier of the premises;
(b)to determine whether or not to make or revoke a species control order;
(c)to serve notice to an owner or occupier of premises in accordance with section 14D(5)(a) or 14G;
(d)to ascertain whether an offence under section 14K is being, or has been, committed in relation to an order made by the relevant body;
(e)to carry out an operation or other work in pursuance of section 14L(2)(a).
(2)A person so authorised to enter premises may not demand admission as of right to any land which is occupied unless—
(a)the entry is for a purpose mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) and at least 24 hours' notice of the intended entry has been given;
(b)the entry is for a purpose mentioned in subsection (1)(c) or (d); or
(c)the entry is for a purpose mentioned in subsection (1)(e) and at least 14 days' notice of the intended entry has been given.
(3)Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to entry in connection with an emergency species control order.
(4)Nothing in this section authorises any person to break any lock barring access to premises which the person is authorised to enter.
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)If a sheriff or justice of the peace is satisfied, by evidence on oath, that there are reasonable grounds for a person authorised by a relevant body to enter premises for a purpose mentioned in section 14M(1) and that—
(a)admission to the premises has been refused;
(b)such refusal is reasonably apprehended;
(c)the premises are unoccupied;
(d)the occupier is temporarily absent from the premises;
(e)the giving of notice under section 14M(2) would defeat the object of the proposed entry; or
(f)the situation is one of urgency,
the sheriff or justice may grant a warrant authorising the person to enter premises (including lockfast places), if necessary using reasonable force.
(2)In the cases of a warrant under subsection (1)(a) to (d), a sheriff or justice must not grant a warrant unless satisfied that notice of the intended entry has been given in the manner described in section 14M.
(3)A warrant under this section—
(a)may be executed without notice; and
(b)continues in force until the purpose for which the entry is required has been satisfied or, if earlier, the expiry of such period as the warrant may specify.
(4)Any person authorised by a warrant to enter any premises must, if required to do so by the owner or occupier or anyone acting on the owner or occupier's behalf, show that person the warrant.
(5)Any person authorised by a warrant to use reasonable force—
(a)must be accompanied by a constable when doing so; and
(b)may not use force against an individual.
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)Any person who exercises a power of entry to premises in accordance with section 14M or 14N may—
(a)be accompanied by any other person; and
(b)take any machinery, other equipment or materials on to the premises,
for the purpose of assisting the person in the exercise of that power.
(2)A power specified in subsection (1) which is exercisable under a warrant is subject to the terms of the warrant.
(3)Any person leaving any premises which have been entered in exercise of a power conferred by section 14M or a warrant granted under section 14N, being either unoccupied premises or premises from which the occupier is temporarily absent, must leave the premises as effectively secured against unauthorised entry as the person found the premises.
(4)A relevant body must compensate any person who has sustained damage by reason of—
(a)the exercise by a person authorised by the relevant body of any powers of entry conferred on the person by section 14M or a warrant granted under section 14N; or
(b)the failure of a person so authorised to perform the duty imposed by subsection (3),
unless the damage is attributable to the fault of the person who sustained it.
(5)Any dispute as to a person's entitlement to compensation, or to the amount of such compensation, is to be determined by arbitration.
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
(1)This section applies to sections 14 to 14O only.
(2)Any reference to the native range of an animal or plant, or a type of animal or plant, is a reference to the locality to which the animal or plant of that type is indigenous, and does not refer to any locality to which that type of animal or plant has been imported (whether intentionally or otherwise) by any person.
(3)The native range of a hybrid animal or plant is any locality within the native range of both parents of the hybrid animal or plant.
(4)Any reference to an invasive animal or invasive plant, or type of such an animal or plant, is a reference to an animal or plant of a type which if not under the control of any person, would be likely to have a significant adverse impact on—
(a)biodiversity;
(b)other environmental interests; or
(c)social or economic interests.
(5)Any reference to premises—
(a)includes reference to land (including lockfast places and other buildings), movable structures, vehicles, vessels, aircraft and other means of transport; but
(b)does not include reference to dwellings.
(6)Any reference to a relevant body is a reference to—
(a)the Scottish Ministers;
(b)Scottish Natural Heritage;
(c)the Scottish Environment Protection Agency; F120...
F120(d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(7)Any reference to an animal includes a reference to ova, semen and milt of the animal.
(8)“Plant” includes fungi and any reference to a plant includes a reference to—
(a)bulbs, corms and rhizomes of the plant; and
(b)notwithstanding section 27(3ZA), seeds and spores of the plant.]
Textual Amendments
F119Ss. 14D-14P inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 16, 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(b)
F120S. 14P(6)(d) and word repealed (S.) (1.4.2019) by Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018 (asp 8), s. 85(2), sch. 2 (with s. 83); S.S.I. 2019/47, reg. 2 (with regs. 3-22)
X1(1)The M9Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976 shall have effect subject to the amendments provided for in Schedule 10 ; and in that Schedule “the 1976 Act” means that Act.
(2)The functions of the [F121GB conservation bodies] shall include power to advise or assist—
(a)any constable;
(b)any officer commissioned or other person appointed or authorised by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to exercise any function conferred on the Commissioners by the said Act of 1976; or
(c)any person duly authorised by the Secretary of State under section 7(3) of that Act,
in, or in connection with, the enforcement of that Act or any order made under it.
Editorial Information
X1The text of ss. 15(1), 38(6), 40, 46(1)-(3), and 47(3) is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991
Textual Amendments
F121Words in s. 15(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 105(1), 107, Sch. 11 para. 71; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
Marginal Citations
(1)Any person who is in possession of any pesticide containing one or more prescribed active ingredient shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)A person shall not be guilty of an offence under subsection (1) if the person shows that the possession of the pesticide was for the purposes of doing anything in accordance with—
(a)any regulations made under section 16(2) of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (c. 48), F123...
[F124(aa)Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market, as amended, extended or applied from time to time,]
[F125(b)Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council] [F126of 22 May 2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal products, as amended, extended or applied from time to time.]
[F127(2A)Subject to the provisions of this Part, any person who knowingly causes or permits to be done an act which is made unlawful by subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence.]
(3)In this section—
“pesticide” has the meaning given in the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (c. 48), and
“prescribed active ingredient” means an ingredient of a pesticide which fits it for use as such and which is of a type prescribed by order made by the Scottish Ministers.]
Textual Amendments
F122S. 15A inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 14; S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F123Word in s. 15A(2) repealed (30.11.2020) by Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020 (asp 14), ss. 7(2)(a), 22(2); S.S.I. 2020/379, reg. 2(1), sch. (with reg. 3)
F124S. 15A(2)(aa) inserted (30.11.2020) by Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020 (asp 14), ss. 7(2)(b), 22(2); S.S.I. 2020/379, reg. 2(1), sch. (with reg. 3)
F125S. 15A(2)(b) substituted (1.9.2013) by The Biocidal Products and Chemicals (Appointment of Authorities and Enforcement) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1506), reg. 2(1), Sch. 5 para. 1 (with regs. 3(4)(5), 31)
F126Words in s. 15A(2)(b) inserted (30.11.2020) by Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020 (asp 14), ss. 7(2)(c), 22(2); S.S.I. 2020/379, reg. 2(1), sch. (with reg. 3)
F127S. 15A(2A) inserted (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 21(4), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(e)
(1)Sections 1, 5, 6(3), 7 and 8 and orders under section 3 do not apply to anything done—
[F128(a)for scientific, research or educational purposes;]
(b)for the purpose of ringing or marking, or examining any ring or mark on, wild birds;
(c)for the purpose of conserving wild birds;
[F129(ca)for the purposes of the re-population of an area with, or the re-introduction into an area of, wild birds, including any breeding necessary for those purposes;
(cb)for the purpose of conserving flora or fauna;]
(d)for the purpose of protecting any collection of wild birds;
(e)for the purposes of falconry or aviculture;
(f)for the purposes of any public exhibition or competition;
(g)for the purposes of taxidermy;
(h)for the purpose of photography;
(i)for the purposes of preserving public health or public or air safety;
(j)for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease; or
(k)for the purposes of preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber [F130, fisheries or inland waters],
if it is done under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the appropriate authority.
[F131(1A)The appropriate authority—
(a)shall not grant a licence for any purpose mentioned in subsection (1) unless it is satisfied that, as regards that purpose, there is no other satisfactory solution; and
(b)shall not grant a licence for any purpose mentioned in paragraphs (e) to (h) of that subsection otherwise than on a selective basis and in respect of a small number of birds.]
(2)Section 1 and orders under section 3 do not apply to anything done for the purpose of providing food for human consumption in relation to—
(a)a gannet on the island of Sula Sgeir; or
(b)a gull’s egg or, at any time before 15th April in any year, a lapwing’s egg,
if it is done under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the appropriate authority.
(3)Sections 9(1), (2) [F132, (4) and (4A)], 11(1) [F133(a), (b), (be), (c) and (d),] and (2) and 13(1) do not apply to anything done—
(a)for scientific or educational purposes;
(b)for the purpose of ringing or marking, or examining any ring or mark on, wild animals;
(c)for the purpose of conserving wild animals or wild plants or introducing them to particular areas;
(d)for the purpose of protecting any zoological or botanical collection;
(e)for the purpose of photography;
(f)for the purpose of preserving public health or public safety;
(g)for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease; or
(h)for the purpose of preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber or any other form of property or to fisheries, F134... [F135or
(j)in England, for reasons of overriding public interest],
if it is done under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the appropriate authority.
[F136(3ZZA)Subsection (3)(c), so far as relating to section 11(2) in its application to mustela erminea (stoat, otherwise known as ermine), is to be read as if the reference to wild animals included wild birds.]
[F137(3ZA)A licence granted under subsection (3) may permit the use [F138, otherwise than in Wales,] of a trap or snare [F139, or, in Wales, of a trap other than a glue trap,] for the purpose of killing, taking or restraining a wild animal included in Schedule 6ZA only if the trap or snare—
(a)meets the conditions relating to certification (see subsections (3ZB) to (3ZF)); or
(b)meets the approved design conditions (see subsections (3ZG to (3ZI)).
This subsection is subject to (3ZJ).
(3ZB)For the purposes of subsection (3ZA)(a) the conditions relating to certification are that—
(a)the trap or snare is of a certified type and make;
(b)the manufacturer of the trap or snare provides instructions as to how it should be set, operated safely and maintained; and
(c)where it is manufactured on or after 28th March 2019, the trap or snare is identified by its manufacturer by means of a permanent marking as being of a certified type and make.
(3ZC)For the purposes of subsection (3ZB)(b), instructions provided by the supplier of a trap or snare with the authorisation of the manufacturer of that trap or snare are to be treated as provided by the manufacturer.
(3ZD)For the purposes of this section, a type and make of trap or snare is “certified” in relation to a wild animal included in Schedule 6ZA if it is certified by or on behalf of any of the following authorities as conforming (where the trap or snare is set in accordance with any instructions provided by the manufacturer) to the standards set out in the international trapping standards agreement in relation to the trapping of that animal—
(a)the Secretary of State;
(b)the Welsh Ministers;
(c)the Scottish Ministers;
(d)in Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs;
(e)an authority in another country or territory which is designated for the purposes of the international trapping standards agreement as a certifying authority.
(3ZE)The relevant authority shall—
(a)publish in such manner as it considers appropriate a list of all traps and snares of a certified type and make of which it is aware; and
(b)make the list available to anyone who asks for it in in writing.
(3ZF)For the purposes of subsection (3ZE), “the relevant authority” means—
(a)in relation to England, the Secretary of State;
(b)in relation to Wales, the Welsh Ministers;
(c)in relation to Scotland, the Scottish Ministers.
(3ZG)For the purposes of subsection (3ZA)(b) a trap or snare meets the approved design conditions if it—
(a)has been constructed by the person using it; and
(b)complies with a design approved for this purpose by or on behalf of the Secretary of State (where it is used in England or Scotland) or the Welsh Ministers ([F140where it is a trap other than a glue trap, and it is used in Wales]).
(3ZH)The relevant authority must—
(a)publish in such manner as it considers appropriate details of the design of a trap or snare approved in accordance with subsection (3ZG)(b); and
(b)make the details available to anyone who asks for them in writing.
(3ZI)In subsection (3ZH), “the relevant authority” means—
(a)the Secretary of State, for designs of traps or snares approved for use in England;
(b)the Welsh Ministers, for designs of traps [F141(other than glue traps)] approved for use in Wales;
(c)the Scottish Ministers, for designs of traps or snares approved for use in Scotland.
(3ZJ)Subsection (3ZA) does not apply where the licence—
(a)is granted in accordance with any of paragraphs (a) to (d) or paragraphs (f) to (h) of subsection (3) and is subject to such conditions as the appropriate authority considers appropriate when granting the licence;
(b)does not, in the opinion of the appropriate authority, undermine the objectives of the international trapping standards agreement; and
(c)is accompanied by a written explanation of the reasons for that opinion and for the grant of the licence.
(3ZK)In this section “the international trapping standards agreement” means the Agreement on international humane trapping standards between the European Community, Canada and the Russian Federation.]
[F142(3B)In England, the appropriate authority shall not grant a licence under subsection (3) unless it is satisfied—
(a)that there is no other satisfactory solution, and
(b)that the grant of the licence is not detrimental to the survival of any population of the species of animal or plant to which the licence relates.]
(4)The following provisions, namely—
(a)section 6(1) and (2);
(b)sections 9(5) and 13(2); and
(c)[F143sections 14 and 14ZA],
do not apply to anything done under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the appropriate authority.
(5)Subject to [F144subsections (5A) and (6)], a licence under the foregoing provisions of this section—
(a)may be, to any degree, general or specific;
(b)may be granted either to persons of a class or to a particular person;
(c)may be subject to compliance with any specified conditions;
(d)may be modified or revoked at any time by the appropriate authority; and
(e)subject to paragraph (d), shall be valid for the period stated in the licence;
and the appropriate authority may charge therefor such reasonable sum (if any) as they may determine.
[F145(5A)A licence under subsection (1) which authorises any action in respect of wild birds—
(a)shall specify the species of wild birds in respect of which, the circumstances in which, and the conditions subject to which, the action may be taken;
(b)shall specify the methods, means or arrangements which are authorised or required for the taking of the action; and
(c)subject to subsection (5)(d), shall be valid for the period, not exceeding two years, [F146or in the case of a licence granted by Natural England five years,] stated in the licence.]
(6)A licence under subsection [F147(2) or (3)] which authorises any person to kill wild birds or wild animals—
(a)shall specify the area within which, and the methods by which the wild birds or wild animals may be killed; and
(b)subject to subsection (5)(d), shall be valid for the period, not exceeding two years, [F148or in the case of a licence granted by Natural England five years,] stated in the licence.
(7)It shall be a defence in proceedings for an offence under section 8(b) of the M10Protection of Animals Act 1911 or section 7(b) of the M11Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912 (which restrict the placing on land of poison and poisonous substances) to show that—
(a)the act alleged to constitute the offence was done under and in accordance with the terms of a licence issued under subsection (1) or (3); and
(b)any conditions specified in the licence were complied with.
(8)For the purposes of a licence granted under the foregoing provisions of this section, the definition of a class of persons may be framed by reference to any circumstances whatever including, in particular, their being authorised by any other person.
[F149(8A) In this section, in the case of a licence under any of subsections (1) to (4), so far as relating to the restricted English inshore region (see subsection (12)), “the appropriate authority” means the Marine Management Organisation.]
[F150(8C)In this section, in the case of a licence under any of subsections (1) to (4), so far as relating to Wales, “the appropriate authority” means the Natural Resources Body for Wales.]
(9)[F151Except as provided by [F152subsections (8A) and (8C)],] In this section “the appropriate authority” means—
(a)in the case of a licence under [F153any of paragraphs (a) to (cb)] of subsection (1), either the Secretary of State after consultation with whichever one of the advisory bodies he considers is best able to advise him as to whether the licence should be granted, or the [F154relevant][F155conservation body];
(b)in the case of a licence under any of paragraphs (d) to (g) of subsection (1), subsection (2) or paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (4), the Secretary of State after such consultation as aforesaid;
(c)in the case of a licence under paragraph (h) of subsection (1) or any of paragraphs (a) to (e) [F156or (j)] of subsection (3), the [F154relevant] [F155conservation body];
(d)in the case of a licence under paragraph (i), (j) or (k) of subsection (1) or paragraph (f), (g) or (h) of subsection (3) or a licence under paragraph (c) of subsection (4) which authorises anything to be done in relation to fish or shellfish, the agriculture Minister; and
(e)in the case of any other licence under paragraph (c) of subsection (4), the Secretary of State.
[F157(9A)In this section “re-population” and “re-introduction”, in relation to wild birds, have the same meaning as in [F158the Wild Birds Directive].]
(10)The agriculture Minister—
(a)shall from time to time consult with [F159each of the [F160GB conservation bodies]] as to the exercise [F161in the area of that [F162body]] of his functions under this section; and
(b)shall not grant a licence of any description unless he has been advised by the [F163relevant [F155conservation body]] as to the circumstances in which, in their opinion, licences of that description should be granted.
[F164(11)For the purposes of this section a reference to a relevant Nature Conservancy Council is a reference to the [F155conservation body] for the area in which it is proposed to carry on the activity requiring a licence.]
[F165(12)In this section—
(a) “the restricted English inshore region” means so much of the English inshore region as lies to seaward of mean low water mark;
(b) “the English inshore region” has the meaning given by section 322 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
[F166(c) “Wales” has the meaning given by section 158 of the Government of Wales Act 2006.]]
Extent Information
E13This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
Textual Amendments
F128S. 16(1)(a) substituted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(2)(a)
F129S. 16(1)(ca)(cb) inserted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(2)(b)
F130Words in s. 16(2)(k) substituted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(2)(c)
F131S. 16(1A) inserted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(3)
F132Words in s. 16(3) substituted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 81(1), 103(2), Sch. 12 para. 6
F133Words in s. 16(3) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(6), 56(2)(d)
F134Word in s. 16(3)(h) omitted (E.W.) (30.9.2022) by virtue of Environment Act 2021 (c. 30), ss. 111(2)(a), 147(3) (with s. 144); S.I. 2022/518, regs. 1(2), 3(b)
F135S. 16(3)(j) and word inserted (E.W.) (30.9.2022) by Environment Act 2021 (c. 30), ss. 111(2)(b), 147(3) (with s. 144); S.I. 2022/518, regs. 1(2), 3(b)
F136S. 16(3ZZA) inserted (E.W.) (1.4.2020) by The Humane Trapping Standards (England and Wales) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1288), regs. 1(1), 2
F137S. 16(3ZA)-(3ZK) inserted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 4
F138Words in s. 16(3ZA) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(7)(a), 56(2)(d)
F139Words in s. 16(3ZA) inserted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(7)(b), 56(2)(d)
F140Words in s. 16(3ZG)(b) substituted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(8), 56(2)(d)
F141Words in s. 16(3ZI)(b) substituted (W.) (17.10.2023) by Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 4), ss. 48(9), 56(2)(d)
F142S. 16(3B) inserted (E.W.) (30.9.2022) by Environment Act 2021 (c. 30), ss. 111(3), 147(3) (with s. 144); S.I. 2022/518, regs. 1(2), 3(b)
F143Words in s. 16(4) substituted (E.W.) (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 105(1), 107, Sch. 11 para. 72(2); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
F144Words in s. 16(5) substituted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(4)
F145S. 16(5A) inserted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(5)
F146Words in s. 16(5A)(c) inserted (E.W.) (30.9.2022) by Environment Act 2021 (c. 30), ss. 111(4), 147(3) (with s. 144); S.I. 2022/518, regs. 1(2), 3(b)
F147Words in s. 16(6) substituted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(6)
F148Words in s. 16(6)(b) inserted (E.W.) (30.9.2022) by Environment Act 2021 (c. 30), ss. 111(4), 147(3) (with s. 144); S.I. 2022/518, regs. 1(2), 3(b)
F149S. 16(8A) inserted (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 10(2)(5), 324(3); S.I. 2010/298, art. 2, Sch. Pt. 1 para. 2
F150S. 16(8C) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 170(2) (with Sch. 7)
F151Words in s. 16(9) inserted (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 10(3)(5), 324(3); S.I. 2010/298, art. 2, Sch. Pt. 1 para. 2
F152Words in s. 16(9) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 170(3) (with Sch. 7)
F153Words in s. 16(9)(a) substituted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(7)
F154Word in s. 16(9) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 132(1)(a), Sch. 9 para. 11(4)(a); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3
F155Words in s. 15(9)(a)(c)(10)(b)(11) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 105(1), 107, Sch. 11 para. 72(3); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
F156Words in s. 16(9)(c) inserted (E.W.) (30.9.2022) by Environment Act 2021 (c. 30), ss. 111(5), 147(3) (with s. 144); S.I. 2022/518, regs. 1(2), 3(b)
F157S. 16(9A) inserted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(8)
F158Words in s. 16(9A) substituted (E.W.) (21.8.2007) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1843), reg. 7(5)
F159Words in s. 16(10)(a) substituted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 132(1)(a), Sch. 9 para. 11(4)(b); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3
F160Words in s. 16(10)(a) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 105(1), 107, Sch. 11 para. 72(4)(a); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
F161Words in s. 16(10)(a) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 132(1)(a), Sch. 9 para. 11(4)(b); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3
F162Word in s. 16(10)(a) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 105(1), 107, Sch. 11 para. 72(4)(b); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
F163Words in s. 16(10)(b) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 132(1)(a), Sch. 9 para. 11(4)(c); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3
F164S. 16(11) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 132(1)(a), Sch. 9 para. 11(4)(d); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3
F165S. 16(12) inserted (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 10(4)(5), 324(3); S.I. 2010/298, art. 2, Sch. Pt. 1 para. 2
F166S. 16(12)(c) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 170(4) (with Sch. 7)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C9S. 16: Functions transferred (W.) (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, art. 2, Sch. 1
C10S. 16 functions made exercisable concurrently or jointly with the Welsh Ministers by 2006 c. 32, Sch. 3A para. 1 (as inserted (1.4.2018) by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), s. 71(4), Sch. 4 para. 1 (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(p))
Marginal Citations
(1)Sections 1, 5, 6(3), 7 and 8 F829... do not apply to anything done—
[F830(a)for scientific, research or educational purposes;]
(b)for the purpose of ringing or marking, or examining any ring or mark on, wild birds;
(c)for the purpose of conserving wild birds;
[F831(ca)for the purposes of the re-population of an area with, or the re-introduction into an area of, wild birds, including any breeding necessary for those purposes;
(cb)for the purpose of conserving flora or fauna;]
(d)for the purpose of protecting any collection of wild birds;
(e)for the purposes of falconry or aviculture;
(f)for the purposes of any public exhibition or competition;
(g)for the purposes of taxidermy;
(h)for the purpose of photography;
(i)for the purposes of preserving public health or public or air safety;
(j)for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease; or
(k)for the purposes of preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber [F832, fisheries or inland waters],
if it is done under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the appropriate authority.
[F833(1A)The appropriate authority—
(a)shall not grant a licence for any purpose mentioned in subsection (1) unless it is satisfied that, as regards that purpose, there is no other satisfactory solution; and
(b)shall not grant a licence for any purpose mentioned in paragraphs (e) to (h) of that subsection otherwise than on a selective basis and in respect of a small number of birds.]
(2)Section 1 [F834does] not apply to anything done for the purpose of providing food for human consumption in relation to—
(a)a gannet on the island of Sula Sgeir; or
(b)a gull’s egg F835. . . ,
if it is done under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the appropriate authority.
(3)Sections 9(1), (2) [F836, (4) and (4A)], [F83710A(1),] 11(1) [F838, (2) and (3C)(a)] [F839, 11C] [F840, 11G(1)] and 13(1) do not apply to anything done—
(a)for scientific [F841, research] or educational purposes;
(b)for the purpose of ringing or marking, or examining any ring or mark on, wild animals;
(c)for the purpose of conserving [F842wild birds,] wild animals or wild plants or introducing them to particular areas;
[F843(ca)for the purpose of conserving any area of natural habitat;]
(d)for the purpose of protecting any zoological or botanical collection;
(e)for the purpose of photography;
(f)for the purpose of preserving public health or public safety;
(g)for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease; F844...
(h)for the purpose of preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber or any other form of property or to fisheries [F845; or
(i)for any other social, economic or environmental purpose,]
if it is done under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the appropriate authority.
[F137(3ZA)A licence granted under subsection (3) may permit the use of a trap or snare for the purpose of killing, taking or restraining a wild animal included in Schedule 6ZA only if the trap or snare—
(a)meets the conditions relating to certification (see subsections (3ZB) to (3ZF)); or
(b)meets the approved design conditions (see subsections (3ZG to (3ZI)).
This subsection is subject to (3ZJ).
(3ZB)For the purposes of subsection (3ZA)(a) the conditions relating to certification are that—
(a)the trap or snare is of a certified type and make;
(b)the manufacturer of the trap or snare provides instructions as to how it should be set, operated safely and maintained; and
(c)where it is manufactured on or after 28th March 2019, the trap or snare is identified by its manufacturer by means of a permanent marking as being of a certified type and make.
(3ZC)For the purposes of subsection (3ZB)(b), instructions provided by the supplier of a trap or snare with the authorisation of the manufacturer of that trap or snare are to be treated as provided by the manufacturer.
(3ZD)For the purposes of this section, a type and make of trap or snare is “certified” in relation to a wild animal included in Schedule 6ZA if it is certified by or on behalf of any of the following authorities as conforming (where the trap or snare is set in accordance with any instructions provided by the manufacturer) to the standards set out in the international trapping standards agreement in relation to the trapping of that animal—
(a)the Secretary of State;
(b)the Welsh Ministers;
(c)the Scottish Ministers;
(d)in Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs;
(e)an authority in another country or territory which is designated for the purposes of the international trapping standards agreement as a certifying authority.
(3ZE)The relevant authority shall—
(a)publish in such manner as it considers appropriate a list of all traps and snares of a certified type and make of which it is aware; and
(b)make the list available to anyone who asks for it in in writing.
(3ZF)For the purposes of subsection (3ZE), “the relevant authority” means—
(a)in relation to England, the Secretary of State;
(b)in relation to Wales, the Welsh Ministers;
(c)in relation to Scotland, the Scottish Ministers.
(3ZG)For the purposes of subsection (3ZA)(b) a trap or snare meets the approved design conditions if it—
(a)has been constructed by the person using it; and
(b)complies with a design approved for this purpose by or on behalf of the Secretary of State (where it is used in England or Scotland) or the Welsh Ministers (where it is used in Wales).
(3ZH)The relevant authority must—
(a)publish in such manner as it considers appropriate details of the design of a trap or snare approved in accordance with subsection (3ZG)(b); and
(b)make the details available to anyone who asks for them in writing.
(3ZI)In subsection (3ZH), “the relevant authority” means—
(a)the Secretary of State, for designs of traps or snares approved for use in England;
(b)the Welsh Ministers, for designs of traps or snares approved for use in Wales;
(c)the Scottish Ministers, for designs of traps or snares approved for use in Scotland.
(3ZJ)Subsection (3ZA) does not apply where the licence—
(a)is granted in accordance with any of paragraphs (a) to (d) or paragraphs (f) to (h) of subsection (3) and is subject to such conditions as the appropriate authority considers appropriate when granting the licence;
(b)does not, in the opinion of the appropriate authority, undermine the objectives of the international trapping standards agreement; and
(c)is accompanied by a written explanation of the reasons for that opinion and for the grant of the licence.
(3ZK)In this section “the international trapping standards agreement” means the Agreement on international humane trapping standards between the European Community, Canada and the Russian Federation.]
[F846(3A)The appropriate authority shall not grant a licence under subsection (3)(i) unless it is satisfied—
(a)that undertaking the conduct authorised by the licence will give rise to, or contribute towards the achievement of, a significant social, economic or environmental benefit; and
(b)that there is no other satisfactory solution.]
(4)The following provisions, namely—
(a)section 6(1) and (2);
(b)sections 9(5) [F847, 11I(1)] and 13(2); and
(c)[F848sections 14 [F849, 14ZC] [F850, 14A and 14AA]],
do not apply to anything done under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the appropriate authority.
[F851(4A)The appropriate authority shall not grant a licence under subsection (4) permitting anything to be done in contravention of section 6(1) or (2) unless it is satisfied that there is no other satisfactory solution.]
[F852(4B)Schedule 9B contains provision restricting the granting of licences under subsection (4)(c) permitting activities which contravene Article 7(1)(b) to (h) of Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.]
(5)Subject to [F853subsections (5A) and (6)], a licence under the foregoing provisions of this section—
(a)may be, to any degree, general or specific;
(b)may be granted either to persons of a class or to a particular person;
(c)may be subject to compliance with any specified conditions;
(d)may be modified or revoked at any time by the appropriate authority; and
(e)subject to paragraph (d), shall be valid for the period stated in the licence;
and the appropriate authority may charge therefor such reasonable sum (if any) as they may determine.
[F854(5A)A licence under subsection (1) which authorises any action in respect of wild birds—
(a)shall specify the species of wild birds in respect of which, the circumstances in which, and the conditions subject to which, the action may be taken;
(b)shall specify the methods, means or arrangements which are authorised or required for the taking of the action; and
(c)subject to subsection (5)(d), shall be valid for the period, not exceeding two years, stated in the licence.]
(6)A licence under subsection [F855(2) or (3)] which authorises any person to kill wild birds or wild animals—
(a)shall specify the area within which, and the methods by which the wild birds or wild animals may be killed; and
(b)subject to subsection (5)(d), shall be valid for the period, not exceeding two years, stated in the licence.
(7)It shall be a defence in proceedings for an offence under section 8(b) of the M52Protection of Animals Act 1911 or section 7(b) of the M53Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912 (which restrict the placing on land of poison and poisonous substances) to show that—
(a)the act alleged to constitute the offence was done under and in accordance with the terms of a licence issued under subsection (1) or (3); and
(b)any conditions specified in the licence were complied with.
(8)For the purposes of a licence granted under the foregoing provisions of this section, the definition of a class of persons may be framed by reference to any circumstances whatever including, in particular, their being authorised by any other person.
[F149(8A) In this section, in the case of a licence under any of subsections (1) to (4), so far as relating to the restricted English inshore region (see subsection (12)), “the appropriate authority” means the Marine Management Organisation.]
F856(8B). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F857(9) In this section “the appropriate authority” means the Scottish Ministers or such other person to whom the Scottish Ministers delegate power under section 16A.
(9ZA)The Scottish Ministers must consult Scottish Natural Heritage before granting or modifying a licence under any of subsections (1) to (5).
(9ZB)Subsection (9ZA) does not apply in relation to licences granted under—
(a)paragraph (i), (j) or (k) of subsection (1);
(b)paragraph (f), (g) or (h) of subsection (3); or
(c)paragraph (c) of subsection (4).]
[F858(9A) In this section “re-population” and “re-introduction”, in relation to wild birds, have the same meaning as in the Directive of the Council of the European Communities dated 2nd April 1979 ( No. 79/409/ EEC ) on the conservation of wild birds.]
(10)The agriculture Minister—
(a)shall from time to time consult with [F859each of the [F860GB conservation bodies]] as to the exercise [F861in the area of that [F862body]] of his functions under this section; and
(b)shall not grant a licence of any description unless he has been advised by the [F863relevant [F864conservation body]] as to the circumstances in which, in their opinion, licences of that description should be granted.
[F865(11)For the purposes of this section a reference to a relevant Nature Conservancy Council is a reference to the [F864conservation body] for the area in which it is proposed to carry on the activity requiring a licence.]
[F165(12)In this section—
(a) “the restricted English inshore region” means so much of the English inshore region as lies to seaward of mean low water mark;
(b) “the English inshore region” has the meaning given by section 322 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
[F166(c) “Wales” has the meaning given by section 158 of the Government of Wales Act 2006.]]
F866(13). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extent Information
E44This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only
Textual Amendments
F137S. 16(3ZA)-(3ZK) inserted (28.3.2019) by The Humane Trapping Standards Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/22), regs. 1(1), 4
F149S. 16(8A) inserted (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 10(2)(5), 324(3); S.I. 2010/298, art. 2, Sch. Pt. 1 para. 2
F165S. 16(12) inserted (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 10(4)(5), 324(3); S.I. 2010/298, art. 2, Sch. Pt. 1 para. 2
F166S. 16(12)(c) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 170(4) (with Sch. 7)
F829Words in s. 16(1) repealed (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 4(4)(a), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(a)
F830S. 16(1)(a) substituted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(2)(a)
F831S. 16(1)(ca)(cb) inserted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(2)(b)
F832Words in s. 16(2)(k) substituted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(2)(c)
F833S. 16(1A) inserted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(3)
F834Word in s. 16(2) substituted (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 4(4)(b), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(a)
F835Words in s. 16(2)(b) repealed (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 15(a); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F836Words in s. 16(3) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 15(b)(i); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F837Word in s. 16(3) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011 for specified purposes, 1.1.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 9(a)(i), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(g); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(b)
F838Words in s. 16(3) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 15(b)(ii); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F839Word in s. 16(3) inserted (S.) (1.1.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 13(4), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(c)(iii)
F840Word in s. 16(3) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011 for specified purposes, 1.1.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 9(a)(ii), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(g); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(b)
F841Words in s. 16(3)(a) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 15(b)(iii); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F842Words in s. 16(3)(c) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 15(b)(iv); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F843S. 16(3)(ca) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 15(b)(v); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F844Word in s. 16(3) repealed (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 18(2)(a)(i), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(j)
F845S. 16(3)(i) and word inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 18(2)(a)(ii), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(j)
F846S. 16(3A) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 18(2)(b), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(j)
F847Word in s. 16(4)(b) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011 for specified purposes, 1.1.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 9(b), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(g); S.S.I. 2011/433, art. 2(1)(b)
F848Words in s. 16(4) substituted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 15(c); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F849Word in s. 16(4)(c) inserted (S.) (2.7.2012) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 17(2), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2012/175, art. 2(1)(c) (with art. 3(3)(4))
F850Words in s. 16(4)(c) substituted (S.) (1.11.2019) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, c.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/364), regs. 1(2), 2(4)(a)
F851S. 16(4A) inserted (S.) (1.10.2004) by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 6), ss. 50, 59, Sch. 6 para. 15(d); S.S.I. 2004/407, art. 2
F852S. 16(4B) inserted (S.) (1.11.2019) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, c.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/364), regs. 1(2), 2(4)(b)
F853Words in s. 16(5) substituted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(4)
F854S. 16(5A) inserted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(5)
F855Words in s. 16(6) substituted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(6)
F856S. 16(8B) repealed (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 18(2)(c), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(j)
F857S. 16(9)-(9ZB) substituted for s. 16(9)-(9ZC) (S.) (29.6.2011) by Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6), ss. 18(2)(d), 43(1) (with s. 41(1)); S.S.I. 2011/279, art. 2(1)(j)
F858S. 16(9A) inserted (30.11.1995) by S.I. 1995/2825, reg. 3(8)
F859Words in s. 16(10)(a) substituted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 132(1)(a), Sch. 9 para. 11(4)(b); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3
F860Words in s. 16(10)(a) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 105(1), 107, Sch. 11 para. 72(4)(a); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2
F861Words in s. 16(10)(a) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 132(1)(a), Sch. 9 para. 11(4)(b); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3
F862Word in s. 16(10)(a) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 105(1), 107, Sch. 11 para. 72(4)(b); S.I. 2006/2541,