Shooting birds in gardens using air rifles

Question

Having found several bodies over the last week (shot birds e.g. collared doves), I finally heard the shots this afternoon (Sunday, 24th July), and watcheed, to my horror, as a dove was shot in the tree in the garden next to me. I was horrified and shouted out. i have reported this to the police and knocked on neighbours doors - all deny knowledge. I have pets of my own and can't bear to think of this evil people committing this wanton destruction, and possibly aiming also at my pets... what else can I do????

LRB · Accepted Answer

Hi Jeannie - welcome to the forum - i agree that Wildlife Ranger has given you a great answer - it is illegal to shoot any wild bird in the UK - they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it a criminal offence to injure or kill a wild bird - and as such, it should be reported to the police. 
 Certain birds, in certain situations may be shot, using a General Licence, but this would not be applicable in a residential area. It is also an offence to use firearms in close proximity to your house, and to fire across your property. 
 I would not advise using CCTV to attempt to film into your neighbour's garden. Privacy laws would only allow you to film your own property for security purposes, and you could find yourself in trouble.

Wild Life Ranger · Answer

Jeannie 
 Based on experience I would approach the situation mindful of your own safety 
 (i) I would ensure a police officer is nominated to investigate by raising a Police Log these must be follwed up. Ensure you obtain a log Number . Polce help desks sometimes do not log a reported crime as assumed 
 (ii) make clear you emphasise the duty of care for the concern to be followed up - these high powered cannister guns can send pellets through fllimsy fencing or shrubbery and be blown of course by wind causing potential harm and risk to others 
 (iii) begin an evidence log if you have a zoom camera or video have it to hand . If you are hearing pellets and seeing kills close to you work out from the general ditection and radius of 100 m where this could be coming from and focus you observations 
 (iv) inform your near neighbours as they will not be impressed as Cats / pigeons are often the victims of smart Alecs - More eyes the better. 
 (v) Finally if you are satisfied that you are not at risk from any harassment ccirculate a neighbourhood leaflet or poster in the vicinity where the culprrits are likely to see it and therefore desist indicating clearly the Police Involvement 
 Individuals often move with these firearms in a case on their back so be observant for individuals with such attire . If these was a shot in a tree it implies someone has a clear line of sight possibly from a bedroom window ?????? RSPCA and RSPB might be able to add more advice to this or if Police Inteligence indicates that there is a problem with such individuals a prosecution may be executed, 
 These offenses could potentially be very serious as already pointed out . Inexperienced Police Officers often struggle with airguns being fired from Private Property however the key part of the act is that it is unlawful toIt is an offence to fire any weapon within 50 feet of the centre of any roadway, if by doing so you cause a nuisance. This offence could be committed by someone on private property close to a road who used a gun in a way which upset people on the road.discharge a firearm within 20m of the Highway most private homes do not have the curtilage to allow this 
 Whilst I am not advocating the inapropriate use of police resources Armed Response Teams are obliged to investigate the reporting of shots fired in an expedient manner . Should your safety at any time be compromised at any time by a firearm do not hesitate to place your safety first by ensuring the Police are informed urgently

AL · Answer

The police will deal with the matter . 
 It is an offence to use any air wepon in a public place . it is also an offence to use an air rifle with out the proper use of a backstop . It is also an offence to shoot with the intent to kill any bird without a proper licence . 
 I hope they throw the book at them. 
 Cheers 
 AL

Jeannie41 · Answer

Hello all, thanks so much for your ideas and comments. Some great ideas, things I havent done yet but will, and the support is great. One or two people I have spoken to have just shrugged; so apathetic. I am about to leaflet the neighbours today with the info/tel numbers etc to keep the profile high, and I rang the police back today to ensure my call to them was logged. My one concern is drawing attention to my home and animals but if we don't stand up and be counted, the bad guys win. So, forward with sensible precautions. I appreciate all your comments as they are well meant and more are appropriate to some situations than others, its all good. I think I'd like to live near 'bird people', we may have differences but presumably there wouldn't be people entertaining themselves with guns. Fools.