Pheasant and Partridge Welfare in Release Pen Systems

Release pens used to acclimatise gamebirds before shooting are under scrutiny for welfare standards, with new DEFRA regulations introduced in 2023 setting minimum standards for the first time.

Key Facts

An estimated 50 million pheasants and 10 million red-legged partridges are released in the UK annually for shooting
Release pens provide a transition environment between rearing facilities and open woodland before birds are "put to fly"
New DEFRA regulations (2023) set minimum release pen sizes and maximum stocking densities for game birds for the first time
Prior to 2023, game bird release was essentially unregulated from a welfare perspective
Regulations require minimum of 1 square metre per pheasant in release pens and address feeding, water, and shelter requirements
The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) provides guidance on best-practice release pen management

Welfare Considerations

Release pens historically operated without welfare standards, resulting in overcrowding, inadequate shelter, and poor food and water provision in some operations. The 2023 regulations represent a significant step forward in establishing a welfare floor for released gamebirds. However, the regulations address only the release pen period and do not cover rearing facility standards, transport, or the welfare implications of the release itself. Birds released into woodland face challenges including predation, starvation from unfamiliarity with natural food sources, and road mortality. The welfare trajectory from rearing shed to woodland is complex and multi-stage; the 2023 regulations address only one component. Continued advocacy for higher standards across the entire production system is needed.

What You Can Do

Support implementation and enforcement of the 2023 game bird release pen welfare regulations
Advocate for the extension of welfare regulations to cover game bird rearing facilities as well as release pens
Engage with shooting organisations that are developing best-practice codes exceeding minimum regulatory requirements
Support RSPCA campaigns for game bird rearing to be covered by the same welfare legislation as farm animals