BIRDS OF PREY IN CAPTIVITY

Chris Knight · Status: Offline

RE: BIRDS OF PREY IN CAPTIVITY

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

No probs Andy,
just to add a little more info incase you have any concerns or doubt, thefalconrydirectory.org.uk has full documentation regarding
The Code of Welfare and Husbandry of Birds of Prey and Owls.

Also GOV.UK has all the info regarding the Registration of Birds of Prey including the 9 species of Raptor you must register to keep, and keeping injured Birds of Prey temporarily with just a general license.

Hopefully a quick read of these may either put your mind at rest or prompt you to make what could be a necessary RSPCA call.

(Meaning... without knowing what youve seen, or under what circumstances, you couldve potentially seen injured birds been cared for temporarily in a make-do enclosure or housing that doesnt look very good but is sufficient, or on the flip side you couldve seen illegally kept Birds and a situation that needs investigating)

Hope this helps Andy and let us know of any outcomes.

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

Thank you both. I'll keep an eye on the place. I am sure that these birds have not been kept at the site for long, but as it is within half a mile of a peregrine nesting site it makes me a bit uneasy.

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

Any concerns Andy then always start with the RSPCA.
But bear in mind what might look unacceptable conditions to you... may be ok (or at least legal) to keep Birds of Prey.
There are various articles that will tell you if the owner is providing shelter, food, water, and is flying the bird regularly then despite what the conditions look like, it may be of sufficient requirements.
Also remember that when we see B-o-P tethered to a post, you may think its cruel but they do rest for long periods in the wild, in between feeding to conserve energy for example.
Just a thought!

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

You could make some enquiries at the Indipendant Bird Register on 0161 7905613 but basically the owner must have each bird with a special breeders ring and a certificate to prove it was captive bred. Regarding the living conditions, I think that might be a case for the RSPCA: 01618 820680 (Salford branch)- www.rspca.org.uk hope this info helps.

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

Is there anyone I can get in touch with who would know whether birds of prey are being kept legally or at least in acceptable conditions? I ask because I came across such a place locally this afternoon which did not seem to fit such criteria, looking both cramped and in a poor state.

Thanks,