§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many ducks other than ruddy ducks, broken down by species, haven been culled as a result of the ruddy duck control scheme. [101260]
§ Mr. MorleyEvery effort was made to minimise casualties to non-target species during the regional control trial. The Standard Operating Procedures made it clear that there should be a high degree of vigilance over identification and that shooting should only take place if safe to do so without causing injury or death to non-target species
Two female tufted ducks and one juvenile long-tailed duck were shot in error during the ruddy duck control trial. During trap testing in spring 2002, seven young mallard chicks were killed during three separate incidents when they became trapped in netting.