Menu
18/11/2005
Pigeon shows to be licensed following flu scare
Pigeon shows are to be allowed to take place in Northern Ireland under licence, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has confirmed.
The move follows a recent ban on bird fairs, markets, shows and other bird gatherings by DARD as part of Avian Influenza preventive measures legislation.
At the time the ban was brought in, the Department had introduced a general licence system allowing shows of certain types of caged birds and single loft pigeon sales to proceed, provided that the conditions of the relevant general licence were fulfilled.
Outlining the background to the change in relation to pigeons, a Department spokesperson said: "The Department met with a cross-section of pigeon fancier organisations on Friday 7 November to discuss the implications of the recent bird show ban and to gain a more detailed insight into the nature, pattern and scale of events involving pigeons affected by the EU ban.
"In light of our discussions and following the completion of a veterinary risk assessment into the threat posed by the gathering together of pigeons for show purposes, the Department has decided to license such shows to go ahead, subject to the show organisers complying with a number of conditions set out in a Departmental general licence."
Referring to the co-operation received from pigeon fanciers throughout Northern Ireland, the spokesperson said: "DARD is grateful for the co-operation it has received from local pigeon representative groups and individual fanciers in recent weeks, as we have sought to implement the various measures designed to protect Northern Ireland's poultry industry from the threat of Avian Influenza.
"Looking further ahead, we will work with stakeholders to develop appropriate provisions that could enable pigeon racing to be licensed."
A copy of the general licence relating to pigeon shows can be seen on the DARD Internet site: www.dardni.gov.uk. This site also contains information on Avian influenza, including a Question and Answer brief on the ban on bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings.
(MB/SP)
The move follows a recent ban on bird fairs, markets, shows and other bird gatherings by DARD as part of Avian Influenza preventive measures legislation.
At the time the ban was brought in, the Department had introduced a general licence system allowing shows of certain types of caged birds and single loft pigeon sales to proceed, provided that the conditions of the relevant general licence were fulfilled.
Outlining the background to the change in relation to pigeons, a Department spokesperson said: "The Department met with a cross-section of pigeon fancier organisations on Friday 7 November to discuss the implications of the recent bird show ban and to gain a more detailed insight into the nature, pattern and scale of events involving pigeons affected by the EU ban.
"In light of our discussions and following the completion of a veterinary risk assessment into the threat posed by the gathering together of pigeons for show purposes, the Department has decided to license such shows to go ahead, subject to the show organisers complying with a number of conditions set out in a Departmental general licence."
Referring to the co-operation received from pigeon fanciers throughout Northern Ireland, the spokesperson said: "DARD is grateful for the co-operation it has received from local pigeon representative groups and individual fanciers in recent weeks, as we have sought to implement the various measures designed to protect Northern Ireland's poultry industry from the threat of Avian Influenza.
"Looking further ahead, we will work with stakeholders to develop appropriate provisions that could enable pigeon racing to be licensed."
A copy of the general licence relating to pigeon shows can be seen on the DARD Internet site: www.dardni.gov.uk. This site also contains information on Avian influenza, including a Question and Answer brief on the ban on bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 July 2016
Man Dies In Clay Pigeon Shooting Incident In Co Down
A man has died following an incident at a clay pigeon shooting club in Co Down. The man, in his 60s, was killed after a firearm was discharged at a clay-pigeon event near Downpatrick on Sunday, 24 July. His death has been reported as a "tragic accident".
Man Dies In Clay Pigeon Shooting Incident In Co Down
A man has died following an incident at a clay pigeon shooting club in Co Down. The man, in his 60s, was killed after a firearm was discharged at a clay-pigeon event near Downpatrick on Sunday, 24 July. His death has been reported as a "tragic accident".
10 June 2002
Pigeon fanciers blamed for death of rare falcons
The death of three peregrine falcon chicks in County Antrim has been laid at the door of the province's pigeon fanciers. In all police found four chicks - two were dead and a third died later - in the nest understood to have been near to Cloughmills.
Pigeon fanciers blamed for death of rare falcons
The death of three peregrine falcon chicks in County Antrim has been laid at the door of the province's pigeon fanciers. In all police found four chicks - two were dead and a third died later - in the nest understood to have been near to Cloughmills.
03 June 2016
Witnesses Sought Following Arson Attack
Police have appealed for information following an arson attack in the Loranville area of Larne on Friday morning, 3 June. Shortly after 2am, it was reported that a pigeon loft had been set on fire. The fire spread to two nearby houses causing damage to both properties.
Witnesses Sought Following Arson Attack
Police have appealed for information following an arson attack in the Loranville area of Larne on Friday morning, 3 June. Shortly after 2am, it was reported that a pigeon loft had been set on fire. The fire spread to two nearby houses causing damage to both properties.
08 March 2016
Mother And Daughter Rescued From South Belfast House Fire
A mother and daughter have been rescued following a fire at their home in south Belfast. The incident happened at a property in Kirkistown Walk in the Belvoir area in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Firefighters attended the scene and led the mother and daughter to safety.
Mother And Daughter Rescued From South Belfast House Fire
A mother and daughter have been rescued following a fire at their home in south Belfast. The incident happened at a property in Kirkistown Walk in the Belvoir area in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Firefighters attended the scene and led the mother and daughter to safety.
21 July 2008
Deadly Pigeon Loft Blaze Probed
While people living in the Four Winds area of south Belfast were evacuated in the early hours of Saturday as fire crews dealt with a fire at a row of shops, a Co Down pigeon fancier has been counting the cost of another weekend fire.
Deadly Pigeon Loft Blaze Probed
While people living in the Four Winds area of south Belfast were evacuated in the early hours of Saturday as fire crews dealt with a fire at a row of shops, a Co Down pigeon fancier has been counting the cost of another weekend fire.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
