Voluntary UK ban on killing birds with lead shot has had ‘no detectable effect’

Report finds 99.5% of pheasants in Cambridge University study contained pellets made of the toxic metal

A voluntary phasing out of lead shot in the UK has had almost no impact according to a report, with 99.5% of birds killed found to contain the toxic metal.

While other industries have been forced to phase out lead, with the material banned from paint and fuel decades ago, shooters are still allowed to use it despite the fact it could poison soil and wildlife.