Wildlife and the law
Get in touch
To report a wildlife crime call the police on 101.
Then contact RSPB Investigations on 01767 680551 or via the form below.
If you have information about bird of prey crime that you would like to share in confidence, call the Raptor Crime Hotline on 0300 999 0101.
Wildlife law
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Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is the primary legislation which protects animals, plants and habitats in the UK.
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The CITES trade regulations
CITES is designed to prevent excessive and unrestricted international trade in wildlife.
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UK Border Agency
Customs officers may work with the police or organisations like the RSPB in investigating cases involving specimens which have been illegally imported or sold.
Wild bird crime
Download our bird crime report, as well as finding out more about poisoning, egg collecting and nest robbery.
Working with the law
This section explains more about how the RSPB works with the law and has influenced decisions.
Report a wildlife crime
Use our online form to report wildlife crimes that you have witnessed or heard about from someone else. The more information you can provide, the more useful your report will be.
Downloads
Offences against wild bird legislation in 2014. PDF, 1.8Mb
Birdcrime 2014Offences against wild bird legislation in 2013. PDF, 1.6Mb
Birdcrime 2013A plain guide to bird protection today listing species on Schedules 1 and 9. PDF, 480Kb
Wild birds and the law - A plain guide to bird protection todayA plain guide to bird protection in Scotland. PDF, 572Kb
Wild Birds and The Law: Scotland
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