7th December 2006 - Backing a Permanent Ban on Importing Wild Birds

Yorkshire Member of the European Parliament Linda McAvan has added her voice to the campaign to make permanent a ban on importing wild birds into Europe for the pet trade.

Figures from the Eurogroup for Animals suggest that 750,000 wild birds are brought to Europe each year as part of the trade in exotic pets, whilst many more die before they are exported or whilst they are in quarantine. The European Food Safety Authority recently concluded that the welfare of birds captured in the wild and imported to the EU is very poor.

At present the EU has a temporary ban in place on imports of birds caught in the wild, which was put in place to prevent the spread of bird flu earlier this year. However, the ban will expire at the end of this month if the European Commission does not extend it.

Linda McAvan said;

"The temporary ban on wild bird imports has not only helped to halt the spread of bird flu but it has also brought to light the whole issue of the treatment of birds caught up in the trade. I know from the correspondence I receive from constituents how strongly people feel about animal welfare. Because of this, it seems entirely sensible that the ban remains in place as far as the exotic pet trade is concerned. I have written to the Commissioner to urge him to act."