This is believed to have come about following a legal challenge to Natural England from newly formed Wild Justice group. Natural England claim new general licence will be introduced on 29th April, but any trapping by Larson or ladder traps will be unlawful for that period.
See below from CA website:
“Major changes to the General Licence announced by Natural England, today (23rd April) at less than 36 hours notice will put thousands of people at risk of unknowingly breaking the law whilst controlling species such as pigeons and carrion crows from Thursday (25th April). The ability to control several species of wild birds through licensing to prevent serious damage or disease, to preserve public health or public safety, and to conserve flora and fauna under ‘open licences’ will all be revoked in an unprecedented move by the statutory agency.
While Natural England claim a new set of licences will be brought in from Monday (29th April) the revocation and confusion over the coming days and weeks will leave farmers, pest controllers and conservationists with significant problems. The new set of licences have not yet even been consulted on, leaving huge uncertainty about the ability to control wild birds going forward.”
This is believed to have come about following a legal challenge to NE from newly formed Wild Justice group. Natural England claim new general licence will be introduced on 29th April, but any trapping by Larson or ladder traps will be unlawful for that period unless a licence is specifically applied for.