UK government confirms phase-out of lead ammunition following wildlife welfare and environment concerns
17 July 2025
The UK government has announced that it will phase out the use of most lead ammunition in outdoor shooting across Great Britain, with legislation expected to be in place by summer 2026. A three-year transition period will then begin, giving the shooting industry time to switch to suitable alternatives.
The new rules will prohibit the use of shot containing more than 1% lead and bullets with more than 3% lead. This follows the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) recommendation in December 2024 to restrict the use of lead ammunition due to its significant risks to human health, animal welfare, and the environment.
The HSA welcomes this decision as the use of lead ammunition has long been associated with serious welfare issues in animals. Lead fragments and particles deposited in the environment during shooting are commonly ingested by wildlife and grazing animals, resulting in poisoning which is likely to cause significant suffering both in animals which eventually die and those who ingest sub-lethal quantities of lead.
Dr Huw Golledge, Chief Executive of the and of the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW), commented:
“This is a major step forward for animal welfare and environmental protection. The evidence of the harms caused by lead ammunition is clear and compelling. I’ve been pleased to contribute to this effort as a member of the Lead Ammunition Group (LAG), alongside UFAW Vice President Alick Simmons. The group has played a vital role in compiling the scientific data that informed this policy change.”
However, the HSA highlights a continuing concern: ensuring that non-lead pistol and rifle ammunition used for the humane dispatch of animals such as wildlife casualties and injured or moribund livestock is humane, effective, reliable, and safe for operators.
“While we fully support the transition away from toxic lead, some existing non-lead alternatives, may be less lethal or could pose safety challenges in situations where injured or sick animals need to be humanely killed at close range,” Dr Golledge explained. “At HSA, we are undertaking trials to test the performance, safety, and suitability of alternative ammunition This will ensure that the ban on lead ammunition is a positive step for the welfare of all animals.”
Further updates on the HSA’s work in this area will be published as our ammunition trials progress.