What is the Call For Evidence?
Alongside the cruelty that is involved in gamebird shooting, there are numerous other far-reaching impacts that affect our wildlife, environment and communities.
This call for evidence is exactly as it reads; it's an opportunity to share evidence of gamebird rearing, release and shooting in the British countryside, which will allow the government to examine just how severe it's associated impacts are. As a result, such evidence will help influence policy change.
Who can respond?
Various organisations are taking part, but that doesn't exclude the general public. No matter who you are or what you do, if you have valid evidence and personal experience, your response is encouraged.
This call for evidence delivers a rare opportunity for evidence and experiences to be shared with the government.
What evidence can you include?
Numerous types of evidence can be accepted, though the strongest ones will be clear, verifiable and relevant. This includes:
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Official statistics
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Evaluation studies
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Grey literature (such as NGO reports, research reports & working papers)
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Peer‑reviewed research
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Monitoring data
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Experimental or operational evidence
So what is personal experience, from members of the public like yourself? Plenty of people who don't participate in bird shooting still live in the countryside, work in the countryside and visit the countryside, and therefore will have their own experiences to share.
Have you ever witnessed:
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Environmental damage to wildlife and habitats, including anything that has resulted from the rearing, releasing or shooting of gamebirds?
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Wildlife persecution, such as an injured or dead bird of prey that appeared in suspicious circumstances?
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Dumped gamebirds, either in piles or bags, in the countryside?
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Local community impacts, such as shooting related noise pollution?
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A restricted walking route in the countryside due to shooting interests?
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Aggression, harassment or intimidation by shoot owners or gamekeepers?
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Pet poisonings nearby to a shooting location?
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Personal distress from the sound or sight of a shoot?
Don't forget, various forms of media such as photographs, videos and maps (with their accompanying dates and times) can all be used as evidence, submitted via email.
Why is it important?
This industry, year after year, brings about a huge amount of harm that is rarely held to account for. Now that a call for evidence has been made, individuals are urged to share their experiences and highlight the impacts of this industry so that a push for change can finally be made.
Who should it be sent to?
One option is to complete the consultation; another option is to email gamebirds@defra.gov.uk, putting "Call to Evidence" in the email subject line.