Armed police have been sent to Lakeside Holiday Park in Chichester following reports of firearms being shot.
The incident took place on Tuesday morning - It’s understood that Park Holidays UK authorised a contractor to conduct a controlled cull of geese.
Park Holidays UK said: "A limited culling of geese at Chichester Lakeside was carried out in order to safeguard the breeding habitats and feeding resources of other indigenous wildlife in the grounds of the park, and to prevent an excess of numbers causing a nuisance to park guests. The work, which is now completed, was carried out humanely within strict legal guidelines by a professional contractor with the necessary licenses to ensure full compliance with the relevant authorities."
West Sussex Wildlife Protection say they are appalled by the company's actions.
In England, the shooting of geese is regulated under various legislative frameworks to ensure the activity is conducted in a humane and controlled manner. The primary piece of legislation is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which sets out the legal protections for wild birds and specifies the conditions under which they can be controlled. This act makes it illegal to shoot geese during their close season to protect them during breeding and rearing periods. However, certain exemptions allow for the control of geese outside these times, primarily to prevent serious agricultural damage or for reasons of public health and safety.
Geese shooting is also subject to specific licensing conditions imposed by Natural England, the government's advisor on the natural environment. These licenses are necessary when the shooting is intended for purposes other than sport, such as preventing damage to crops or safeguarding airports from bird strikes. Applicants must demonstrate that non-lethal methods of control have been attempted and found ineffective before a license is granted. This ensures that shooting is only used as a last resort and is conducted ethically and responsibly.
The general licenses issued by Natural England specify the species, methods, and conditions under which birds can be controlled without individual licenses. These licenses are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect current conservation and management needs. Compliance with these regulations is critical, as failure to adhere can result in legal action, including fines and revocation of shooting rights. Thus, anyone involved in the shooting of geese must stay informed about the latest legislation and ensure all activities are legally justified and properly documented.
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