Memorandum submitted by the British Waterfowl
Association
1. Our BWA President, Mr Christopher Marler,
has asked me, on behalf of our Association, to express extreme
concern with regard to the question of the pinioning of wildfowl
in captivity. We are deeply disturbed that it is possible that
the above new bill, under the heading of mutilations, will make
provision for the banning of such pinioning. However, we understand
that certain mutilation exceptions could be granted and we plead
that pinioning may please be one of them.
2. Not all keepers of swans, geese and ducks
are members of our Association but we are sure that there is a
considerable body of opinion which is in line with our views.
We trust that you have no objection to us taking this opportunity
to put forward certain points.
3. You will be aware that a growing number
of species of wildfowl in the wild are endangered or threatened
with extinction. Some of these birds are in the hands of keepers
of wildfowl in captivity and the breeding success is frequently
encouraging. Valuable conservation projects are in being and it
is our plea, desire and aim that these should continue. Alas,
the success of such initiatives will be grossly damaged if pinioning
of the birds is not allowed to continue. If it becomes illegal
to carry out pinioning except in certain licensed establishments,
such as zoos, the gene pool of many species will be sadly diminished
and breeding success will surely be jeopardised. Pinioning is
currently mainly carried out by lay people who are dedicated bird
keepers and we see no reason for any change. The very operation
involved is swiftly carried out and any slight discomfort is minimal
and fleeting.
4. We inform our members of any legislation
which affects the keeping of wildfowl in captivity and we regularly
remind them that it is an offence to allow captive-bred non-indigenous
species to escape into the wild. Of course we have no jurisdiction
over others who are not BWA members and if feather clipping is
to become the only legal method of preventing a bird from flying,
we fear that more non-indigenous species will inadvertently escape
from collections. Do we really want a repeat of the North American
Ruddy Duck situation? Very many enclosures containing pinioned
wildfowl are much too large to be covered with overhead netting
and where there are existing aviaries with free-winged birds,
problems can arise. The inmates may injure themselves in flight
and an accumulation of leaves and/or snow on the mesh can cause
damage to the structure. Predators may then be able to gain access.
5. Our Association is in agreement with
many of the considerations which are contained in the Draft Bill
but we cannot emphasise too strongly the disastrous effect which
the banning of pinioning will have on the valuable conservation
work undertaken by the many breeders of wildfowl in captivity.
2 August 2004
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