The Law
In the UK the principal piece of legislation protecting birds is the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and its subsequent amendments. The governing body is the Department of the Environment Food & Rural Affairs, DEFRA. In the act it states, “all wild birds, their nest and their eggs are protected by law”.
However, there are currently twelve exempt species including Herring Gulls, Greater Black Backed Gulls, Lesser Black Backed Gulls, Feral Pigeons and Feral Doves, all of which are recognised by DEFRA as a nuisance pest. These birds may be controlled by humane methods under a DEFRA general licence. It is highly likely that your pest gulls or pigeons are in one of the above-mentioned categories. One of our professionally trained site surveyors will be able to easily identify what species you have on your property.
Wildlife & Countryside Act exempt pest species under a DEFRA general licence
| Common name | Scientific name |
| Crow | Corvus corone |
| Dove, Collared | Streptopelia decaocto |
| Gull, Great Black-backed | Larus marinus |
| Gull, Lesser Black-backed | Larus fuscus |
| Gull, Herring | Larus argentatus |
| Jackdaw | Corvus monedula |
| Jay | Garrulus glandarius |
| Magpie | Pica pica |
| Pigeon, Feral | Columba livia |
| Rook | Corvus frugilegus |
| Woodpigeon | Columba palumbus |
| Canada Goose | Branta Canadensis |
For more information on general licences follow this link to DEFRA’s website:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/vertebrates/gen-licence.htm
Causing suffering to the gulls is illegal. Only the occupier or owner of a building can take action to control herring gulls. If you own or occupy a building, you can employ UK Bird Control under a DEFRA general licence to take action against Herring Gulls, Greater Black Backed Gulls and Lesser Black Backed Gulls on your behalf. It is our company policy to employ only non-lethal means against gulls.
Feral Pigeons are a common pest and whilst not protected by law must still be treated humanely when being controlled under the DEFRA governance. Causing them harm or prolonged suffering is illegal and again the removal of pigeons needs to be professionally undertaken by trained individuals under a DEFRA general licence.