England: Hunting Ammunition Kills Over 100’000 Birds Annually

Experts estimate that up to 100’000 waterfowl die in England every year after ingesting shotgun pellets.

A cross-party alliance of MPs and Lords has established a parliamentary group that is now pushing for a ban on lead shot — and quickly.

The group has joined forces with the United Kingdom's largest conservation organisations to take action against the toxic ammunition, which is commonly used to kill wildlife such as pheasants, partridges, rabbits, grouse, hares, and even wood pigeons.

Members argue that people also suffer from the effects of lead exposure through the consumption of game meat as well as through contact with contaminated wildlife, plants, soils, and pets.

Up to 400’000 further birds survive but suffer the consequences of lead poisoning, are more susceptible to disease, and have reduced reproductive capacity, according to experts. Birds such as golden eagles and red kites, which feed on small mammals, are particularly vulnerable.

The parliamentarians are supported by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) and Wildlife and Countryside Link, the largest environment and wildlife coalition in England, representing 65 organisations including Greenpeace, the National Trust, and WWF.

An estimated 6’000 tonnes of lead from shotgun and rifle ammunition are released each year, and at least 2’000 tonnes of lead used for hunting game and pests remain in the open. Wildlife experts point out that this is equivalent to the weight of 3’000 cows or 19 blue whales.

Pheasants sold in supermarkets and butchers are also contaminated with potentially dangerous lead, according to Chris Packham's organisation «Wild Justice».

Now is the time for an effective change in policy that puts an end to this ongoing scandal.

Lord Browne of Ladyton, a former Labour Defence Secretary and co-chair of the group, said: «There are no safe levels of lead.«

The last largely unregulated release of lead into the environment comes from lead ammunition.

Non-toxic ammunition is widely available, effective, and comparably affordable.