Shooting UK

ShootingUK is the complete shooting resource for the British shooting community. From shotgun licence and shotgun certificate information to gun reviews, game shooting, clay shooting and more.

MPs call for ban on gameshooting

MPs call for ban on gameshooting

Ten per cent of MPs would ban shooting


By Selena Masson

Thursday, 12 November 2009

More than 10 per cent of all MPs have now signed an early day motion calling on the Government to ban the rearing of gaembirds for sport

Shooting organisations have voiced their concern after it recently emerged that an early day motion (EDM), launched in June, has now attracted the support of 10 per cent of all MPs.

The EDM, which was put forward by Labour MP David Taylor, calls on the Government to ban the rearing of gamebirds for sport. It states: This House notes that every year around 35million pheasants and 6million partridges are purpose-bred in cages, sheds and pens so that they can be released and shot for sport; is concerned about the suffering endured by these birds and by the large number of indigenous wild mammals and birds that are trapped, snared, poisoned and shot to protect this activity; is alarmed by the thousands of tons of lead shot and plastic casings discharged annually by live quarry shooters, and also by the disruption caused to native wildlife at the start of each shooting season.

Some shooting groups are worried that this EDM could eventually lead to a Private Members’ Bill calling for a total ban on driven gameshooting. The Countryside Alliance’s chief executive Simon Hart told Shooting Times that though EDMs merely allow MPs to express their support for an issue, it is something that the shooting community needs to be mindful of: “I find this EDM extremely disturbing, but not surprising. To date, 66 MPs have signed Mr Taylor's EDM. That means more than 10 per cent of MPs currently sitting in the House of Commons want to ban gameshooting."

The rest of this article appears in 11th November issue of Shooting Times.

What is YOUR opinion?

Join other ST readers in our forums to discuss your views.



Like this article? Mark this page on a social bookmarking website...



What are social bookmarking sites?



CompPrevious
Game Consumption up by 15 per cent in UK

Game Consumption up by 15 per cent in UK

As BASC’s National Taste of Game Week approac...

CompNext
Musto donates to the GWCT

Musto donates to the GWCT

Musto has donated five per cent of the revenue fro...


Guns

So you can't afford an English side-by-side shotgun?

So you can't afford an English side-by-side shotgun?

Here we go on a mission to find an English shotgun, in excellent condi... Read more


More in Guns...


Sporting Answers

How do I get my Spanador to come back?

How do I get my Spanador to come back?

I have an adolescent spanador with an abundance of energy. However, of... Read more


More in Sporting Answers...


News

New challenge to snares north of the Border

New challenge to snares north of the Border

Scottish Executive launches new consultation... Read more


More in News...


Comments

Shooting Times Magazine

What's in this issue?

Don't miss this week's issue (on sale Wednesday 1st February). FREE PRIZE DRAW - it is week 3 of our great "Gun a Week" competition, see P53 for further details and how to enter! Plus, who is top dog? Paul Rawlings reports on the 2012 Cocker Spaniel Championship. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy today!

Subscribe to magazine


Latest articles

John Humphreys - Country Gun passes away

John Humphreys - Country Gun passes away

A legend in the shooting world, Shooting Times' much-loved column... Read more


Licensing link dismissed

Licensing link dismissed

Police deny accusations after fatal shooting... Read more


More in Latest articles...


Subscribe to Shooting Times

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Save up to 31% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today and perfect gift this Christmas.