Written question asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Thursday, 28 October 2010.

Animal Welfare: Wild Birds

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many wild peregrine falcons and merlins are registered as being in captivity for ““rehabilitation purposes””.

Answer: Animal Health, the agency responsible for the registration of birds kept in captivity, does not keep records as to the purpose of the initial registration. I am therefore unable to estimate how many birds are in captivity for rehabilitation purposes. When a bird is registered as a ““wild disabled bird””, a questionnaire is sent to ensure that the bird is checked by a veterinary practitioner. It also ensures that birds suitable for rehabilitation are not habituated to human contact and thus rendered unsuitable for return to the wild.

Secondary information