Memorandum submitted by the National Bengalese
Fanciers Association
The NBFA is a specialist society formed 50 years
ago to promote the breeding and exhibiting of the Bengalese finch.
The Bengalese is a domesticated strain of finch developed in Japan
from Lonchura species originating in South-West China.
The NBFA attended the meeting called by the
Parrot Society on Saturday 17 July 2004. which included an address
by Mr Graham Thurlow of Defra.
The NBFA has considered in detail the representation
made by Poole and Parkstone Cage Bird Society and fully endorse
their comments. In addition, to the comments on Pet Fairs, Annex
B, it should be noted that bird theft and vandalism are today
serious problems, often with forced entry to well-secured premises.
Many bird keepers are therefore reluctant to sell stock from their
own premises. Restrictions as currently proposed on bird sales
at "club level" would mean that most sales would stop
due to increased costs, with a resultant increase in the practice
of bird sales in car parks and lay-bys. Open sales in a club environment
is easier to monitor and, more importantly, far better for animal
welfare. The vast majority of our members are dedicated to animal
welfare and will not tolerate others with low standards.
24 August 2004
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