To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government’s policy on bird rearing and shooting is; when that policy was introduced; and if he will make a statement. (226562)

The Government’s policies towards the game bird industry are consistent with the 2005 rural manifesto which stated that

“We will work with the relevant bodies to ensure that country sports are protected while ensuring high standards of environment protection, animal welfare and safety”.

We have no plans to restrict the sport of shooting.

Game birds reared for sporting purposes are covered by the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This Act makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal, and also contains a duty of care so that people responsible for an animal must take such steps as are reasonable to ensure its welfare.