Birds of prey in the UK face significant welfare threats from illegal persecution, poisoning, and habitat loss.
Illegal persecution of raptors causes welfare harm through injury, poisoning, and death. Secondary lead poisoning from ingesting shot game causes prolonged neurological decline and painful death. Poisoned bait and trap injuries also cause significant suffering before death. Effective law enforcement, lead ammunition phaseout, and cultural change in land management are all needed to reduce raptor persecution and associated welfare harm.