Written question asked by Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, under what circumstances birds of prey may be impounded; and what facilities are available for keeping impounded birds.

Answer: Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under what circumstances birds of prey may be impounded; and what facilities are available for keeping impounded birds. [193153] Mr. Morley: A court shall order the forfeiture of any bird belonging to a person convicted of an offence under section 7 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 or Regulation 8 of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997. In certain other circumstances, birds may be seized if they were illegally imported or for the protection of evidence. Furthermore, there are powers under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 for police to seize animals where they consider that they have been subject to unnecessary suffering (an offence under section 1 of the Protection of Animals Act 1911). As regards suitable facilities, neither the police nor HM Customs and Excise have their own, but they ensure that suitable accommodation that can hold the animals is found.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 426 c982W;426 c986W; 193153
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Animal welfare Birds Confiscation orders Imports Forfeiture Birds of prey
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk