Law by nation → Lethal control of feral pigeons
Feral pigeons are wild birds. Killing or taking them is an offence unless done under licence, and each nation issues its own general licence.
Last reviewed 22 August 2026. It depends which nation you are in — all four are below.
This is a description of the law, not legal advice. Every row links to the primary source and carries the date it was last checked. Check the source before relying on it — general licences are reissued each January and commencement dates move.
Feral pigeon may be killed or taken under GL41 to preserve public health or public safety. Valid 1 January to 31 December 2026. No registration is required and actions taken do not have to be reported. For feral pigeon the licence permits use of a device for illuminating a target and a sighting device for shooting, including shooting at night.
GOV.UK · checked 22 August 2026
Feral pigeon is the only species on GL002, which permits killing or taking the bird and taking or destroying its nests or eggs to preserve public health or public safety or prevent the spread of disease. Valid 1 January to 31 December 2026. Written records are recommended for three years, not required.
Natural Resources Wales · checked 22 August 2026
Feral pigeon may be killed or taken, and nests and eggs damaged or destroyed, under general licence GL03/2026 for the preservation of public health and public safety and preventing the spread of disease. Valid 1 January to 31 December 2026.
NatureScot · checked 22 August 2026
TPG1 permits an authorised person to kill or take feral pigeon and jackdaw to preserve public health or public safety. Issued under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and valid 1 January to 31 December 2026.
DAERA · checked 22 August 2026
See this practice in the comparison grid, or compare all practices across the four nations.