Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and Avian Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning from spent ammunition kills thousands of raptors and scavengers annually, with non-toxic shot providing an effective welfare solution.

Key Facts

Lead ammunition fragments widely in shot quarry, contaminating carcasses eaten by scavengers
White-tailed eagles, red kites, and common buzzards are frequently found with lead poisoning
Non-toxic alternatives including steel, bismuth, and copper shot perform comparably to lead
UK shooting organisations have committed to voluntary lead phase-out by 2025
EU scientific opinion found no safe level of lead exposure for wildlife from ammunition

Welfare Considerations

Lead poisoning causes prolonged, painful death in affected raptors. Non-toxic shot is widely available and comparable in performance, making continued lead use unjustifiable.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory non-toxic ammunition legislation
Support shooting organisations that have committed to lead phase-out
Report suspected lead-poisoned birds to wildlife rescue organisations