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.
By David Barrington Barnes
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Q) With several friends I run a small part-time keepered syndicate shoot, putting down around 500 poults. However, we have had at least 100 birds taken from the release pen in recent weeks and wonder if we have any remedy in law if the perpetrator is discovered?
A) Assuming the poults have been taken by a person, not an animal, you are the victim of theft because while in any sort of pen, gamebirds are regarded in law as the property of their owner. This means that any other person taking them dishonestly and without permission commits the crime of theft and you should report the loss to the police. If the suspect is caught, he should be prosecuted through the criminal court system and, on conviction, could be fined or imprisoned.
If the poults are killed or taken outside the pen, they are regarded in law as being wild and they cease to be the property of any person at this stage, though the exclusive right of killing and/or taking them remains with the owner or occupier of the shooting rights. Any person killing and taking them away from outside the pen would be committing various offences of poaching and trespass.
I sent him out to pick a winged pigeon, but he refused to pick the fla... Read more
Burgeoning deer numbers have been the subject of much debate in recent... Read more
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!
A legend in the shooting world, Shooting Times' much-loved column... Read more
Save up to 31% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today and perfect gift this Christmas.
Comments