The below message was received a short while ago, it goes to show that our efforts to lobby and influence those that legislate our sport are worth while. A cohesive response by the Scottish Hawk Board, British Falconers' Club and the International Association for Falconry, has worked wonders on this issue. Well done to all involved.

I understand that your organisation is concerned with proposals in the current Scottish Executive consultation concerning the addition of Falcons to Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.  As you may know listing a species on Schedule 9 of the Act makes it an offence to release or allow that animal to escape from captivity. 

At the beginning of the consultation period it was brought to our attention that listing of Falcons could potentially have negative impacts on Falconry (and indeed the same issue was raised with regard to the inclusion of ferrets and Ferreting).  As it was not our intention to impact on these activities, I sought advice from our solicitors on whether their listing could potentially make the activities of falconry (and ferreting) an offence.

Following this advice and following further discussions internally and at the Scottish Working Group on Invasive Non-native Species we have decided not to include Falcons (or Ferrets) on any Order to amend Schedule 9.

I hope this helps to allay your concerns but please continue to send your consultation response if you wish to do so (this will help us to report on this matter)

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me (contact details below)

Best Wishes
Angela

ANGELA ROBINSON
Invasive Non-Native Species Policy