We received a petition asking:
“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to refuse applications for byelaws banning the feeding of pigeons.”
Details of Petition:
“Save the Trafalgar Square Pigeons (STTSP) is appalled that the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has granted Westminster Council a byelaw banning the feeding of pigeons near Trafalgar Square, despite Ministers previously refusing such a ban because “to invoke the criminal law would have the effect of criminalising otherwise law-abiding people” and despite the DCLG’s stated policy that it will “not normally” grant byelaws banning pigeon feeding. We are concerned that other authorities will seek to follow Westminster’s lead and that many law-abiding people across the country will find themselves criminalised should similar applications by other Councils be granted. We therefore call on DEFRA to make clear that it viewed the circumstances of Westminster’s application as exceptional and that it will as a matter of policy decline future applications to criminalise pigeon feeding.”
· Read the petition
· Petitions homepage
Read the Government’s response
Natural England is the statutory authority responsible for issuing derogations (licences) under wildlife legislation in England. Licences are only issued for specified purposes which are set down in the relevant legislation and only if certain specific criteria are met. Natural England applies five general principles to all its licensing activities; these are:
· There is a genuine problem to resolve or need to satisfy for which a licensing purpose is applicable;
· There are no satisfactory alternatives;
· The licensed action will contribute to resolving the problem or meeting the need;
· The action to be licensed is proportionate to the scale of the problem or need;
· The licensed action will not have an adverse effect on the favourable conservation status of any habitat type or species within its natural range.
Licences can be issued to individuals, organisations and, under some legislation, more widely, thereby permitting any person satisfying certain stated criteria to rely on the licence. These more widely applicable licences are typically referred to as ‘General’ licences. Natural England believes that in respect of pigeons, the (group of) species cited in this petition, a general licensing approach is an appropriate way of addressing public health and safety risks.
Natural England is unaware of any evidence indicating widespread abuse of the general licences, and would be interested in receiving and evaluating such evidence. Anyone who is aware of specific instances where the licences have been contravened should report the matter to their local Police Wildlife Crime Officer.
Natural England is committed to regulating in a proportionate way that reflects the aims of the legislation, and takes account of the risk of the activities licensed and the conservation status of the species concerned. In meeting our obligations, we seek to strike a balance that ensures protection of species and sites whilst avoiding any unnecessary burdens on those we regulate. This includes a firm commitment to an ongoing process of regulatory review and improvement. In the coming weeks, Natural England will launch a public consultation on proposals aimed at improving the current General Licences. The petitioners are welcome to contribute their views to this consultation, which will be available on the Natural England website: www.naturalengland.org.uk
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