GOVERNMENT CONSULTATIONS
Did you know you can directly shape UK wildlife legislation? By design or by chance, most individuals don't realise the influence they can have on policies, laws and practices.
When you respond to these consultations, the government must consider your input. This information can then influence new laws and policies. If you have seen a UK wildlife consultation not on here, please email us.
Consultation on Flea and Tick Treatments to Protect Songbirds
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has launched a call for evidence on flea and tick treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, following concerns about their impact on UK songbirds. Research from the University of Sussex linked exposure to “increased offspring mortality” and more unhatched eggs in songbirds.
Fipronil and imidacloprid are widely used in flea and tick treatments for cats and dogs. However, evidence suggests these chemicals may contaminate watercourses and wildlife habitats. The consultation, open from 16 April to 11 June 2026, will help inform future decisions on how these medicines are supplied and regulated in the UK.
Government Consultation on Trail Hunting
The Labour government have committed to a ban on trail hunting. Ahead of introducing legislation, Defra have launched a public consultation to gauge the views of the general public.
We encourage everyone to respond to the consultation as this could really help the cause and shape potential legislative changes. We have released our own guidelines to help you with your responses.
Consultation on Hunted
Wild Birds
The Government has opened a consultation on proposed legislative changes to nine birds on Schedule 2.1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This schedule outlines which wild birds can be killed for entertainment and when. The Government proposals are extremely weak and favour hunters. Help us change this.
Seven out of 9 birds are on the Red and Amber List of Conservation Concern, and the Government are only proposing the removal of 2 across all 3 countries.
They recommend extending the close season, but this could encourage hunters to go out more in the open season. It does not limit the number of birds killed.
They are proposing to put the Amber Listed woodpigeon on Schedule 2.1 despite large numbers being shot under the General License. See detailed arguments in Guide.
Non-Governmental Consultation on Hunting (concluded)
Despite the Hunting Act 2004, the hunting of mammals such as fox, stag, hare and mink, with dogs, still takes place across
England and Wales.
The UK government recently announced a consultation on the law, and in response, a network of wildlife campaigners, activists, legal professionals, academics and MPs are helping The New Hunting Ban who have launched a campaign dedicated to strengthening the Hunting Act.
All wildlife deserves to live free from the fear and distress of being chased and killed for 'sport'. Complete The New Hunting Ban (thenewhuntingban.com) survey to help shape a real ban on the outdated and cruel practice of hunting with dogs.
Government Proposes Ban on Bottom Trawling
Bottom trawling is a commercial fishing method that drags huge nets along the seabed. It damages marine wildlife habitats and ecosystems and could cause irreversible destruction of the ocean floor.
The UK Government has outlined plans to extend a ban on this destructive practice in Marine Protected Areas across English waters.
All species, including sea life, deserve healthy and functional ecosystems to live in and protection from harmful human practices.
Share your views on the issue and help protect marine wildlife.
Have Your Say on the Future of Hedgerow Management
in England
(concluded)
Hedgerows are vital wildlife havens, essential for biodiversity amid the barren effects of intensive farming. We urge you to support strong regulations that protect these critical habitats.
We've put together a few pointers for you...
The Government are seeking your opinion on whether they should make food labelling clearer. They are proposing a tiered labelling system being implemented to imported and domestic pork, chicken and eggs. The label would provide information on the method of production and whether the product meets or falls below relevant UK welfare regulations.
Verify Humanity are concerned that this labelling system won't make enough information compulsory. For example, will game meat suppliers be forced to disclose whether the bird was killed using lead shot? Lead shot is not only very harmful to human health but also has terrible environmental consequences - killing many birds in the vicinity of the hunt due to poisoning.
EXTEND THE IVORY ACT
(CONCLUDED)
The Government are seeking opinions on whether we (you) think any of the the following animals should be explicitly protected under the Ivory Act:
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Common Hippopotamus
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Killer Whale
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Narwhal
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Sperm whale
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Walrus
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Common warthog
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Desert warthog
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Mammoth
Unfortunately it seems that the warthog isn't being well advocated for and needs help from compassionate people to get it on the list of protected species under the Ivory Act. We've put some pointers together to help you get started on response.
