Releasing caught pests?

[zig zag wanderer 0]

I would think that the Pests Act 1954 by its implication and aims would make it illegal to release a trapped rabbit. It may not say so explicitely but I would say its intentions are fairly obvious.

 

Is there a law that says we can't release a rat? - Not that I can think of.

would we do so? - No

Would it be illegal? - Probably under the PDP 1949

 

Same principle??

[Matt 160]

I would think that the Pests Act 1954 by its implication and aims would make it illegal to release a trapped rabbit. It may not say so explicitely but I would say its intentions are fairly obvious.

 

Is there a law that says we can't release a rat? - Not that I can think of.

would we do so? - No

Would it be illegal? - Probably under the PDP 1949

 

Same principle??

 

The Pests Act 1954 does not specifically outlaw the release of rabbits.

 

PDP 1949 is all about Local Authorities responsibilities to prevent rodent infestation, and again, does not mention the release of pest species.

 

I will ask again; can anyone show us a law that specifically outlaws the release of healthy rabbits?

 

I doubt it, because it is not illegal!

[zig zag wanderer 0]

Just because something is not specifically worded in law does not mean it is not illegal.

 

Having sexual intercourse whilst driving is not covered by its own law but I think you'll find the old bill would do you for it under "dangerous" or "reckless" driving.

 

Surely if the PDP Act makes it a legal requirement that all land owners must destroy rats and mice on their property then releasing them without destroying them would be illegal.

 

Likewise with rabbits and the Pests Act which is in effect the PDP Act for rabbits, if the whole country is designated a rabbit clearance zone then releasing them is not clearing them so would probably be deemed to be illegal under that law.

 

You may be right Matt that there is no specific law that makes this illegal but it would probably be covered by those laws mentioned above.

Edited September 27, 2008 by zig zag wanderer

[Matt 160]

it would probably be covered by those laws mentioned above

 

It isn't.

 

That is why there has never been a prosecution for releasing rabbits.

 

Now, can someone please show us where any law specifically makes the release of healthy rabbits illegal?

 

I doubt it. In which case, would people stop saying that it is.

[zig zag wanderer 0]

As I have tried to point out Matt it can still be illegal without a specific mention in the wording.

 

There probably hasn't been a prosecution for releasing rabbits and neither is the Pests Act ever invoked but it could be.

[Matt 160]

As I have tried to point out Matt it can still be illegal without a specific mention in the wording.

 

No, it cannot.

 

Using the example you have given, another offence (Driving without Due Care and Attention?) would be commited.

 

There probably hasn't been a prosecution for releasing rabbits and neither is the Pests Act ever invoked but it could be.

 

I think there have been prosecutions under PDPA, and it is more commonly used as an enforcement tool. I'm fairly sure BR where sued for allowing rabbits to damage land surrounding a railway embankment.

 

I'll just make this clear for everyone:

 

It is NOT illegal to release healthy rabbits.

 

[zig zag wanderer 0]

Using the example you have given, another offence (Driving without Due Care and Attention?) would be commited.

 

Case rested.

 

Whatever the law broken, at least you accept my case that an action can be covered by another law without it being specifically worded.

 

I believe a Local Authority would prosecute anyone found releasing a rat too.

Edited September 27, 2008 by zig zag wanderer

[Matt 160]

 

 

 

[sniffer 167]

Ok lads legal or illegal what would the odds be of releasing and the servival off 15 to 20 bunnys on a large peice of land with ditch's bramble and big hedges, the only thing this land has not got is burry's. there was bunny's there a good few year ago but the bunny's got hunted to extinction.

[Guest mavisdog]

Don't worry i'm not losing the plot and freeing rats and rabbits but I need to find some info on the legality of releasing a wild rabbit back into the wild? I'm pretty definite its illegal but need proof. Anyone got a link?

Cheers, Gnipper

 

law requires any pest caught needs to be dispatched off humanley not to be re-leased, thats the law

[villebones 4]

Ok lads legal or illegal what would the odds be of releasing and the servival off 15 to 20 bunnys on a large peice of land with ditch's bramble and big hedges, the only thing this land has not got is burry's. there was bunny's there a good few year ago but the bunny's got hunted to extinction.

 

any answers to this?

[The one 8,486]

Why has it no been repopulated there's rabbit's nearly every where ,theres maybe another factor stopping them

[Matt 160]

law requires any pest caught needs to be dispatched off humanley not to be re-leased, thats the law

 

Which law are you referring to?

 

Only 'alien' species have to be dispatched.

 

Can you quote the law to which you refer?

 

I doubt it..........

[ChrisJones 7,975]

Releasing healthy wild rabbits is not an offence under the Pests Act 1954, or any other acts or amendments..

 

Releasing wild rabbits, infected with myxomatosis, is an offence under the Pests Act 1954.

 

There is no law that says you cannot release rabbits. The law does state that land occupiers have a legal obligation to control rabbits.

 

This means while you are not committing an offence you are taking empty, rabbit free land, and forcing it's occupier/owner into a legal quandary. They have to control rabbits that weren't there previously and if they are unaware of your actions you could get them into legal trouble... however this is highly unlikely. Rabbits are fluffy and lawyers aren't.

 

The Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932 forbids the release of... and get this... Destructive Imported Animals. The bit in bold refers to non-indigenous species like grey squirrels, North American mink, coypu, etc. Rabbits are not an imported species as they were here far before modern parliament drafted it's laws therefore they are not covered. If you catch any of the animals listed on the DIA list you cannot release them. You have to dispatch them and humanely. The Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996 states that any person mutilates, kicks, beats, nails or otherwise impales, stabs, burns, stones, crushes, drowns, drags or asphyxiates any wild mammal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering he shall be guilty of an offence. (Highlighted Bold Bit is done for the purposes of a certain Lancashire local authority, who's 'technicians' still routinely drown captured animals.) So if you're a pest controller, use Kanias instead of cages.

 

Back to the current political climate, in the UK, regardless of what species you release you are highly unlikely to be prosecuted for it. So much so it's laughable. Just cry and mention Watership Down. You may even get compensation from the EU, for pain and suffering. After all you were just giving gods fluffy creatures a new home, it's not like you were burning down a mosque or anything.

 

Hope that clears things up. There is no reason why you cannot release healthy rabbits into the wild. Go forth and multiply.

 

Edit: As Matt has already said, show us the statutes that say you cannot release. I've studied these laws extensively, and I know Matt has too. I speak from my interpretation but I may have misread something.

Edited November 2, 2008 by ChrisJones

[labsnlurchers 39]

i found a list of animals that it is illeaga;l to release without a lisence http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/conservat...t-schedule9.pdf

rabbits aint on it