Menu
28/08/2009
Lead Shot 'Fired'
Sportsmen won't be able to use the traditional 'lead shot' anymore.
Wildfowlers have been banned from using the poisionous shot when they are shooting over wetlands in Northern Ireland.
The ban comes in on September 1 (Tuesday) and will affect anyone who uses a shotgun near wetlands, whether it is for wildfowling, clay pigeon shooting or any other purpose.
Ironically, since the shot is used to kill birds for sport, many wildfowl also die of lead poisoning after consuming lead shot which has fallen into the mud or water where they feed.
Birds often ingest spent shot when taking in grit to aid digestion, and suffer a lingering and painful death - rather than the more 'sporting', sudden 'irreversible termination of the biological functions' attributed to being shot.
NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots said this week: "This is an important step towards meeting Northern Ireland's international commitments to conserve important wildfowl populations and our wetlands.
"A sustainable harvest of waterfowl is perfectly acceptable. However, the loss of wild ducks and geese due to lead poisoning is not, particularly when some species are under increasing pressure from other factors.
"I would like to thank the shooting associations for the positive cooperation they have given my Department in formulating these restrictions," she said, noting that she has "every confidence that the changes will go along way to sustaining our future wildfowl populations and with that in mind I appeal for all shooters to comply".
From next week, anyone shooting with lead shot on or over wetlands on or after September 1, could be convicted, earning a fine of up to £1,000.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Wildfowlers have been banned from using the poisionous shot when they are shooting over wetlands in Northern Ireland.
The ban comes in on September 1 (Tuesday) and will affect anyone who uses a shotgun near wetlands, whether it is for wildfowling, clay pigeon shooting or any other purpose.
Ironically, since the shot is used to kill birds for sport, many wildfowl also die of lead poisoning after consuming lead shot which has fallen into the mud or water where they feed.
Birds often ingest spent shot when taking in grit to aid digestion, and suffer a lingering and painful death - rather than the more 'sporting', sudden 'irreversible termination of the biological functions' attributed to being shot.
NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots said this week: "This is an important step towards meeting Northern Ireland's international commitments to conserve important wildfowl populations and our wetlands.
"A sustainable harvest of waterfowl is perfectly acceptable. However, the loss of wild ducks and geese due to lead poisoning is not, particularly when some species are under increasing pressure from other factors.
"I would like to thank the shooting associations for the positive cooperation they have given my Department in formulating these restrictions," she said, noting that she has "every confidence that the changes will go along way to sustaining our future wildfowl populations and with that in mind I appeal for all shooters to comply".
From next week, anyone shooting with lead shot on or over wetlands on or after September 1, could be convicted, earning a fine of up to £1,000.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 January 2006
EHS 'ponder' Wetlands Day awareness
An awareness campaign to promote World Wetlands Day has been launched by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS).
EHS 'ponder' Wetlands Day awareness
An awareness campaign to promote World Wetlands Day has been launched by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS).
14 January 2005
Campaign aims to raise wetlands awareness
The Environment & Heritage Service (EHS) today announced a two-week awareness campaign to promote both Northern Ireland’s wetlands and World Wetlands Day. The DOE’s EHS and a coalition of eight environmental organisations, called the Freshwater Taskforce, are encouraging everyone to take part in the annual World Wetlands Day on 2 February.
Campaign aims to raise wetlands awareness
The Environment & Heritage Service (EHS) today announced a two-week awareness campaign to promote both Northern Ireland’s wetlands and World Wetlands Day. The DOE’s EHS and a coalition of eight environmental organisations, called the Freshwater Taskforce, are encouraging everyone to take part in the annual World Wetlands Day on 2 February.
21 November 2016
Body Of Man Shot Dead By Army To Be Exhumed
The body of a man shot dead by an army unit over 40 years ago is to be exhumed as part of a legacy investigation. Daniel Rooney, 18, was killed by soldiers from the Military Reaction Force (MRF) in west Belfast on 26 September in 1972.
Body Of Man Shot Dead By Army To Be Exhumed
The body of a man shot dead by an army unit over 40 years ago is to be exhumed as part of a legacy investigation. Daniel Rooney, 18, was killed by soldiers from the Military Reaction Force (MRF) in west Belfast on 26 September in 1972.
20 December 2021
Man Shot Dead At Family Home In West Belfast
A man shot dead in West Belfast on Saturday 18 December has been named as 31-year-old Mark Hall. According to police, two gunmen approached Mr Hall's family home on Rodney Drive shortly after 4:30pm.
Man Shot Dead At Family Home In West Belfast
A man shot dead in West Belfast on Saturday 18 December has been named as 31-year-old Mark Hall. According to police, two gunmen approached Mr Hall's family home on Rodney Drive shortly after 4:30pm.
22 August 2017
Man Arrested Over Murder Of Colin Horner
A 46-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Colin Horner in Bangor, Co Down. Mr Horner was fatally shot outside a supermarket in from of his young son on 28 May this year. The suspect has been taken to Musgrave police station to be questioned.
Man Arrested Over Murder Of Colin Horner
A 46-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Colin Horner in Bangor, Co Down. Mr Horner was fatally shot outside a supermarket in from of his young son on 28 May this year. The suspect has been taken to Musgrave police station to be questioned.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
