Statutory guidance

Wild birds: licence to kill or take for public health or safety (GL41)

As a land owner, occupier or authorised person, use this general licence to kill or take certain wild birds to preserve public health or safety.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 1 January 2021
• Last updated: 1 January 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

GL41: general licence to kill or take certain species of wild birds to preserve public health or public safety

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Details

You do not need to apply for general licence GL41, but you must comply with its conditions.

If you need help, email: GLenquiries@defra.gov.uk.

Published 1 January 2021
Last updated 1 January 2024 + show all updates

1. 1 January 2024

   From 1 January 2024, this licence will be valid for 2 years, until 31 December 2025.

2. 1 January 2022

   From 1 January 2022, this licence will be valid for 2 years, until 31 December 2023. Birds you can control under this licence are listed in Table 1 as permitted target birds. Advice on other relevant legislation has also been added to help you take action under this licence.

3. 1 January 2021

   First published.