Lead shot ammunition
This debate pack has been compiled ahead of the debate on lead shot ammunition to be held in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 8 December 2015 at 4.30-5.30pm. The Member in charge of the debate is Gerald Jones MP
AnimalsCountrysideEnvironmental protectionFoodForestry
Briefing
The use of lead shot has adverse environmental impacts on birds, particularly on wetland bird species. Birds such as gamebirds and wildfowl ingest spent lead gunshot mistakenly for food or the grit that helps them to grind up food in their muscular gizzards. Ingestion of lead gunshot by waterfowl is associated with increased death rates. As a signatory to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) the UK agreed to phase out the use of lead shot in wetlands.
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