General Licence 009
Licence No: GEN / WCA / 009 / 2024
Valid From: 1 January 2024
Expiry: 31 December 2024
Licence to release wild-bred schedule 9 birds.
This licence, granted under Section 16(4) (c) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), by the Natural Resource Body for Wales otherwise known as Natural Resources Wales (NRW), being satisfied that as regards the purpose set out at paragraph 2 that there is no other satisfactory solution, permits authorised persons to carry out a range of activities against the birds of the species listed and hereby grants the following licence which applies only in Wales.
1. This licence permits the re-release of the following wild-bred, native bird species listed in Annex 1 for the purpose of conservation:
|
Common name |
Scientific name |
|---|---|
| Red-billed chough | Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax |
| Northern goshawk | Accipiter gentilis |
| Red kite | Milvus milvus |
| Barn Owl | Tyto alba |
where they have been:
- taken for the purpose of tending and releasing to the wild once rehabilitated, or
- accidentally caught in a trap or net lawfully set for another species, or
- taken temporarily under the authority of a NRW licence (eg to ring or examine)
The works noted above are licensed for the period as stated above and are granted subject to compliance with the conditions as specified. Anything done otherwise than in accordance with the terms of the licence may constitute an offence.
Iwan G. Hughes, Team Leader Species Permitting
Signed for and on behalf of Natural Resources Wales.
Conditions
1. This licence may only be relied upon where the animal released was not taken by that person’s unlawful act.
2. This licence only applies to the species listed and circumstances described in paragraph 2.
3. Birds must be released or replaced at or as close as possible to the location from which they were taken or restrained, but may be released up to one kilometre from this place if releasing at the source location is not possible or would not be safe.
4. The prior permission or authority of the landowner of the release location is required for the release, unless the animal is released immediately after taking and at the same location from which it was taken.
5. All relevant animal welfare legislation must be complied with at all times, including the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
6. No person convicted of an offence to which this paragraph applies may use this licence unless, in respect of that offence, either (1) they were dismissed with an admonition, or (2) they are a rehabilitated person for the purposes of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and their conviction is treated as spent. A person may also use this licence where, in respect of such an offence, a court has made an order discharging them absolutely. This paragraph applies to offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Deer Act 1991, the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996, the Hunting Act 2004, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (all as amended).
7. Failure to act within the purpose of this licence as set out in paragraph 2 or failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the licence may mean that the licence cannot be relied upon and an offence could therefore be committed. The maximum penalty available for an offence under the Act is a level 5 fine (£5,000) and/or a six month custodial sentence.
Notes
1. A licence in similar terms has been issued by Natural England in respect of England and by the Scottish Executive in respect of Scotland.
2. This licence may be modified or revoked at any time.
Definitions
In this licence a "wild-bred" means a bird which was not bred in captivity within the meaning of Section 27(2) of the Act.