Grey herons are widespread freshwater predators whose welfare is linked to fish prey availability, persecution, and water quality in their foraging habitats.
Herons shot illegally at fish farms or angling ponds experience acute suffering from wounds. The legal permission for licensed control of herons at fish farms creates a loophole that is frequently exploited beyond its narrow scope. Each illegal heron killing removes an individual bird with an established territory and potentially dependent chicks from the population. Effective enforcement of protection laws and use of non-lethal deterrents at fish farms are the welfare priorities.