The UK government has announced plans to review the legality of live capture traps used to catch magpies and other corvids, sparking criticism from rural campaigners and wildlife experts. The move forms part of a broader animal welfare strategy amid concerns about the impact of such trapping on bird welfare.

Magpies, members of the corvid family that also includes crows, are commonly trapped during the spring breeding season. This practice aims to reduce predation on songbirds such as goldfinches and the critically endangered turtle dove, as magpies frequently prey on eggs and chicks. Trapping often employs Larsen traps, named after a Danish gamekeeper who developed the device in the 1950s. These traps use a captured magpie or crow as a decoy to lure others into the trap for live capture.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that an evidence-based review will be conducted to assess the use of live capture traps for birds including magpies. A spokesperson emphasized the government's commitment to animal welfare as part of its landmark strategy.

However, the announcement has drawn strong opposition from figures representing rural and conservation interests. Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, defended the practice as a necessary tool in managing magpie populations and protecting vulnerable songbird species. Bonner noted research indicating that magpies are opportunistic predators whose impact on populations of eggs, nestlings, and small birds is significant during the breeding season. He also highlighted historical data suggesting that magpie numbers doubled over two decades until widespread trapping measures were implemented, which helped control population growth.

Similarly, Dr Roger Draycott from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) underscored the importance of predation management. According to Draycott, such measures are a critical component of conservation efforts, working in tandem with habitat improvement and food availability to support bird populations.

While the use of Larsen traps is already subject to legal regulation, the government’s planned review aims to examine their continued use in light of animal welfare considerations. The debate reflects broader tensions between wildlife protection and predator control in the management of the UK’s rural environments.