It is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to trap or attempt to trap wild birds and this type of trapping causes immense distress and suffering to the birds. Anyone caught can be sentenced to up to six months in prison and given an unlimited fine if found guilty. It is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to trap or attempt to trap wild birds and this type of trapping causes immense distress and suffering to the birds. Anyone caught can be sentenced to up to six months in prison and given an unlimited fine if found guilty.