Hotel netting kills dozens of birds

A pest controller traveling for work in Nottingham was appalled to find ten dead pigeons and several live birds trapped in netting outside his hotel. The incident, which occurred on March 4, 2026, brought attention to the lethal consequences of poorly maintained bird netting. He documented the distressing scene, noting the smell of decaying bodies and the suffering of trapped animals.

The RSPCA reports receiving over 1,000 calls each year about wild birds trapped in or behind netting, underscoring the scale of the problem across the UK. While bird netting is legal for pest control, it can become illegal if birds are trapped and not promptly released, according to the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This law mandates that anyone responsible for netting must ensure the welfare of trapped animals and prevent unnecessary suffering.

Despite the known issues, prosecutions for birds dying in netting have been rare, as proving intent and prior suffering is challenging. Authorities often encourage remedial actions rather than prosecution. The Mercure Hotel in Nottingham stated the netting issue was temporary, claiming they had cut a hole to free trapped birds and were seeking a permanent solution with expert advice.

Campaigners like Kevin Newell are collecting data, documenting hundreds of cases involving nearly a thousand bird deaths, including endangered species. He advocates for a complete ban on bird netting due to its indiscriminate and often fatal impact on wildlife. Experts suggest that proper installation, regular checks, and maintenance are crucial if netting is used, with safer alternatives also recommended.