DEFRA DENY CHANNEL ISLANDERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO RACE WITH THE BBC
Despite making representations to DEFRA for the second time this year on this subject they have denied the Channel Islanders the opportunity to race this weekend (8 Sep 07) with the BBC. It was pointed out to them that the EC directive on quarantine would suggest that they were no different from non-EU countries coming into the EU for a liberation but, I was told, it is not the fact the pigeons are not liberated from the UK, it is that fact they attend a gathering in the UK that is the problem (within the current licence conditions). This is totally frustrating for the Channel Islanders and a totally bizarre decision as far as I am concerned. We will have a 2007 season wash up meeting with DEFRA and the plight of the Channel Islanders will appear high on the agenda because I believe that they are getting a very raw deal at present from DEFRA. They appear to be in the UK but outside of it when DEFRA decide it is the case.

UK ORGANISATIONS RACING FROM THE CHANNEL ISLANDS
While I am on the sore subject of the Channel Islands any UK fanciers sending pigeons to races there are reminded that as far as the DEFRA licence conditions apply, the Channel Islands are classed as continental Europe and as such pigeons returning from races to the UK must undergo the 7 day isolation period and cannot therefore be sent to a race the following week.

Peter Bryant
General Manager
The Royal Pigeon Racing Association