Wildlife

Wild Waterfowl Lead Poisoning Welfare

Lead poisoning from ingested shot and fishing weights causes chronic suffering and death in waterfowl across the UK and globally.

Key Facts

Swans, ducks, and geese ingest lead shot and weights when feeding on sediment
Lead poisoning causes progressive weakness, weight loss, and neurological signs over weeks
Mute swans are particularly vulnerable as they feed by sifting sediment on waterway beds
Fishing weights containing lead were banned in the UK for sizes under 28 grams in 1987
Lead shot for wildfowling has been prohibited over wetlands in many countries but compliance is poor

Welfare Considerations

Waterfowl with lead poisoning suffer prolonged deterioration over weeks before death. The slow progression allows early intervention if detected, but most cases go unnoticed until too late for treatment.

What You Can Do

Use non-toxic fishing weights and shot to prevent lead poisoning in wildlife
Support enforcement of existing lead prohibition in wildfowling ammunition
Donate to wildlife rehabilitation centers treating lead-poisoned waterfowl