§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many ducks other than ruddy ducks, broken down by species, have been culled as a result of the ruddy duck control scheme. [159213]
§ Mr. BradshawA total of five ducks other than ruddy ducks have been killed during shooting operations since April 1999; two female tufted ducks, one male tufted duck, one male teal and one juvenile long-tailed duck, this compares to a total of over 4,200 ruddy ducks shot.
A further seven ducks (mallard chicks) died during the trap-testing which took place during the control trial. This compares to 17 ruddy ducks trapped.
The killing of non-target birds is taken very seriously and every effort is made to minimise such losses. The Standard Operating Procedures issued to all field operatives make 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.