Debbie
27-03-2005, 01:05 PM
Hi All,
Another interesting press release for you all to peruse.
Debbs xx
Hawk Board Press Release
For immediate use Saturday, 26 March 2005
HAWK BOARD MEETS DEFRA TO DEVELOP CODES OF CONDUCT
Hawk Board Chairman Jim Chick was joined by board members Martin Jones, Mike Clowes and Nick Kester at, what all agreed was a very constructive meeting on 15th March with the DEFRA team responsible for drafting the Animal Welfare Bill.
Jim Chick said: “We had a number of concerns about the interpretation and policing of the bill when it becomes law. But more importantly, we were there to contribute to the development of suitable codes of conduct, and to ensure that our expertise was taken into account on all issues concerning to the welfare of domestic birds of prey.”
“No one in the UK has as much experience in the management of birds of prey than the falconers themselves. We would like to see Hawk Board becoming a prime point of contact before and after this bill has become law,” added Chick.
Central to the meeting was the development of acceptable codes of conduct. There were three areas where this was thought necessary:
1. basic management guidelines including equipment, housing, feeding, training and transporting;
2. displays of birds of prey, whether static or free-flying; and
3. rehabilitation, for those who take in and care for injured raptors.
The Hawk Board was able to show DEFRA its guidelines for the first two items, and hoped to work with rehabilitors and vets in developing the third.
Jim Chick made the point that people are often suspicious of increased legislation, but providing traditional falconry and bird of prey keepers were not hampered by the Animal Welfare Bill, they should welcome increased welfare standards. He said the Hawk Board was particularly pleased to see registration and regular inspection of animal sanctuaries, which had lacked control for too long.
For more information contact:
Nick Kester Communications Officer, Hawk Board on 01267 281448 nk.quattro@zetnet.co.uk
Another interesting press release for you all to peruse.
Debbs xx
Hawk Board Press Release
For immediate use Saturday, 26 March 2005
HAWK BOARD MEETS DEFRA TO DEVELOP CODES OF CONDUCT
Hawk Board Chairman Jim Chick was joined by board members Martin Jones, Mike Clowes and Nick Kester at, what all agreed was a very constructive meeting on 15th March with the DEFRA team responsible for drafting the Animal Welfare Bill.
Jim Chick said: “We had a number of concerns about the interpretation and policing of the bill when it becomes law. But more importantly, we were there to contribute to the development of suitable codes of conduct, and to ensure that our expertise was taken into account on all issues concerning to the welfare of domestic birds of prey.”
“No one in the UK has as much experience in the management of birds of prey than the falconers themselves. We would like to see Hawk Board becoming a prime point of contact before and after this bill has become law,” added Chick.
Central to the meeting was the development of acceptable codes of conduct. There were three areas where this was thought necessary:
1. basic management guidelines including equipment, housing, feeding, training and transporting;
2. displays of birds of prey, whether static or free-flying; and
3. rehabilitation, for those who take in and care for injured raptors.
The Hawk Board was able to show DEFRA its guidelines for the first two items, and hoped to work with rehabilitors and vets in developing the third.
Jim Chick made the point that people are often suspicious of increased legislation, but providing traditional falconry and bird of prey keepers were not hampered by the Animal Welfare Bill, they should welcome increased welfare standards. He said the Hawk Board was particularly pleased to see registration and regular inspection of animal sanctuaries, which had lacked control for too long.
For more information contact:
Nick Kester Communications Officer, Hawk Board on 01267 281448 nk.quattro@zetnet.co.uk