FARMERS and landowners who put down more than 50 game birds for a shoot must sign up to the Defra poultry register or risk breaching cross compliance requirements and significant financial penalties.

Edward Boon from the Sedgefield office of YoungsRPS said most farmers who keep poultry are aware of the need to register.

"But few seem to have appreciated that the rules also apply to game birds, even where kept in an outdoor pen and only for a few weeks of the year," he said.

"Whether it’s a family shoot with no let days or where a farmer or landowner lets the shooting – perhaps to a local syndicate, you must register, and this must be done within one month of the poults arriving.

"Even where the land owner and the poultry or game bird owners are different – this remains a requirement, and vital for compliance."

Mr Boon said registration applies to a wide range of species from poultry, geese and ducks to pheasants, partridge, quail and guinea fowl, and to a mix of species.

"More than 50 head and you need to register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)," he said. "They will ask a number of questions, some relating to housing for the birds and welfare issues, so be prepared.

"Failure to comply could potentially bring about serious repercussions. Not only does the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) have the power to cut subsidy payments for offenders, but anyone found to be in breach may also be referred to the Trading Standards Authority.

"Trading Standards can potentially impose fines of up to £5,000 and even a prison sentence of up to three months for serious breaches of the regulations, although penalties as severe as this are unlikely for a first offence. However, compliance is required and anyone wishing to know more should get in touch."