Grey herons are widespread and successful waterbirds but face illegal persecution at fish farms and angling lakes. Legal protection has not eliminated shooting and trapping, which cause significant welfare harm to a nationally common species.
Shooting causes traumatic injury and death in a protected species. Birds injured but not killed by shot suffer from wounds, dehydration, and inability to feed while debilitated. Deterrent methods that cause physical harm including electrical deterrents and wire trapping also cause unnecessary suffering. Herons are intelligent birds that develop individual personalities and problem-solving abilities; their death or injury through illegal persecution represents both a welfare and legal failure. Non-lethal deterrence including netting, line barriers, and decoys is both legal and effective.