Young people and shotgun certificates

29 March 2011

BASC has been on hand to provide comment to newspapers, radio and television stations across the UK following a BBC report into the granting of shotgun certificates to children under eighteen. Use this key issue briefing to see the extent of our work to date in helping to ensure balanced comment in the media.

Scottish wildlife law review – latest update

2 March 2011

BASC has commended the Scottish Parliament for passing sensible and functional legislation through the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill. For example, outdated game licences will be abolished, archaic poaching laws will be reformed and the practice of catching up game birds for breeding stock will be legally recognised.

Law on airguns changed on 10th February 2011

2 March 2011

All airgun owners are reminded that the Crime & Security Act 2010 came into force on 10th February. It makes it an offence for a person in possession of an air weapon to fail to take "reasonable precautions" to prevent someone under the age of 18 from having an air weapon with them in unauthorised circumstances. Use this briefing to find out more.

Northern Ireland wildlife law review – latest update

7 February 2011

On 7th February the Northern Ireland Assembly rejected an attempt by protectionists to have the Irish hare removed from the quarry list. The Assembly was considering proposed changes to the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill. BASC will continue to use its expertise and political influence to avert threats and exploit opportunities as the final content of the Bill takes shape.

NI Welfare of Animals Bill – tail docking exemption for gundogs

1 February 2011

On 1 February 2011 the Northern Ireland Assembly voted to exempt certain breeds of working dogs from a proposed tail docking ban. The exemption, which BASC lobbied for, is provided in an amendment to the Welfare of Animals Bill and covers spaniels, terriers and any other breeds used for hunting, pointing or retrieving. It also covers any combination of these breeds.

Welsh general licences for 2011

4 January 2011

On 1 January the Welsh Assembly Government renewed all its general licences, including those relevant to pest birds. Some key changes have taken place. For example, Canada geese and ruddy duck have been added to some general licences whilst herring gulls, lesser and great black backed gulls have been removed from most general licences.

Hunting Bill axed in Northern Ireland

15 December 2010

The controversial Northern Ireland Hunting Bill has been dropped by the Northern Ireland Assembly. BASC supported Countryside Alliance Ireland in their opposition to this Bill and BASC would like to express its gratitude to all of the MLAs who voiced their opposition to the Bill and also to all of shooters who took the time to lobby their MLAs.

Where will you be going wildfowling in 20 to 50 years time?

23 November 2010

The future location of mudflats and saltmarsh on some of the best areas for wildfowling could depend on the decisions taken this year in updates to shoreline management plans across England and Wales. Make sure your wildfowling club is involved!

Wildfowlers views needed on proposed waterways bye-laws in NI

20 October 2010

BASC wants Waterways Ireland to take full account of the views of local wildfowlers before any decisions are made on proposed bye-laws for the Erne and Lower Bann navigational systems in Northern Ireland. BASC has already identified potential problems for wildfowlers with the wording of the draft bye-laws presented during phase 1 of the consultation. Phase 2 begins in March 2011.

Say 'No' to tax on responsible gundog owners in Northern Ireland

20 August 2010

Compulsory micro-chipping of all dogs and an increase in the dog licence fee are amongst proposals being considered in Northern Ireland as part of a draft Dogs (Amendment) Bill. BASC regards the proposals as a tax on responsible gundog owners in Northern Ireland and is calling on gundog owners to lobby their MLAs before it’s too late.