Barn Owls for sale

As Doggie says if they are captive bred and ringed it is legal but sad.,not sure if a licence is needed or not

Thanks very much for reply-sad as you say

Thanks for your response- awful to think of those beautiful birds not free to fly

Barn owls have been sold for a long time.  There are restrictions " A keeper offering for sale, reward or commercially displaying a captive bred Barn Owl must have in his or her possession an Article 10 Certificate issued by DEFRA. The bird must also wear either a closed leg ring or be fitted with a microchip implant."   (Information from the Barn Owl Centre at Glos)

I just hope that people who buy them are responsible because "The releasing of captive bred Barn Owls into the wild is an offence."

I think I would have concerns about a sign placed in a window.  That doesnt sound like someone responsible and with a proper Certificte for each bird.

Hi Bexhill, Bob and Alan have given you top advice and I would suggest speaking with the RSPCA to see if it is something they can look into, try 0300 1234 999.

With regards to advertising captive bred barn owls for sale, ideally they should state that they are fulfilling their legal requirements (proof of captive breeding, article 10 certificate and closed ring), so this does raise concerns, however it would be down to the RSPCA's discretion as to whether this would be enough to go on in order to investigate. If you have any other evidence that could show that these birds are being traded illegally, make sure the RSPCA are fully aware.

Best wishes

I must admit that if I had seen an advert like this I would have been very suspicious,legal or not I still find it quite worrying.

Thanks to everyone for their help -I contacted and have now heard from RSPCA who have already checked out the person who is selling the baby owls and have established that they have the correct documentation.  

Agree with that last remark Doggie,maybe some people like the control feeling.You cannot cuddle a Barn Owl like a dog or cat.

I can understand why someone might like to keep such a bird, although I wouldn't want to do it myself.  What I don't understand is why the keeper doesn't require some form of licensing.  As long as the bird is correctly registered any of us could keep one.  It is a bit like having your car licensed to be on a road but not having to pass a test and get a licence to drive it.  I know that most falconers would prefer that they had a keeper's licence to keep certain birds.  That would mean if they break the law the licence could be repealed.