The Government has today (4 September) launched a new call for evidence to better understand the impacts of rearing, releasing and shooting gamebirds on wildlife, the environment and animal welfare.
Gamebird shooting is a long established part of rural life, supporting many jobs, businesses and communities across England. Thriving rural communities and a healthy natural environment go hand in hand, and the call for evidence will help build a fuller understanding of its wider impacts, whilst recognising the important role the sector plays in rural communities.
The review seeks to gather evidence covering the effect on wildlife and protected habitats, the spread of disease, animal welfare, wildlife crime and the use of natural resources.
It will also gather evidence on how gamebirds are bred and kept before they are released. Gamebirds reared for shooting are not covered by the same animal welfare rules as poultry farmed for food, and the evidence will be used to help understand whether the current animal welfare protections for gamebirds are adequate and whether similar welfare requirements should be developed.
Defra Minister Baroness Hayman, said:
Gamebird shooting has been part of rural life for many years, but it is important to understand the effect it can have on wildlife, the environment and the welfare of the birds themselves, whilst supporting our rural communities.
We want to hear from all those with relevant knowledge and experience so that any future decisions reflect the best available evidence.
This call for evidence follows the publication of the Animal Welfare Strategy and Land Use Framework for England.
The call for evidence will run until Thursday 1 November 2026.