Licence to Interfere with or Destroy the Breeding Places of Any Wild Animals
What is this licence?
It is an offence to interfere with or destroy the breeding / resting place of any protected wild animal. In some cases where protected wild animals or birds are causing serious damage, you may seek permission to take steps to stop the damage. This is set out in Section 23 (5)(d) of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended).
What's included
You may be able to get a licence where protected wild animals or birds are causing serious damage to:
- Food (including human food products and animal feeds), livestock or poultry
- Agricultural crops (including vegetables or fruit) either on pasture or on cultivated land
- Pen-reared wild birds on any land
- Other fauna
- Flora
- A woodland, forest plantation, or fishery
- Buildings and other structures and their contents
- Aquaculture installations
Visit the NPWS website to see the list of protected species.
When do I need it?
You need to apply for a licence before taking any steps against damage caused by protected wildlife. Applications are investigated by local staff to determine if serious damage is being caused. If so, they will determine the most practical method of stopping or controlling the problem. The conservation status of the species is given every consideration.
The Minister may issue a licence to take photos or videos of the protected animal at their breeding place.