BW Celebrates 200 Editions but the Hobby Faces New Challenges
It would be difficult to ignore the fact that this edition of Budgerigar World is in fact number 200. From my part it certainly does not seem that one hundred issues have passed since I took over the Editorship. Time certainly seems to fly.
In the years that BW has been in existence there have been many changes in the hobby but none that I would say are profound enough to have altered the course of history. The hobby continues on a decline but nevertheless is still held together world-wide by many thousands of dedicated fanciers. Despite the reduction in numbers I do however, believe that we have a more professional approach to many aspects of the pastime and these hopefully, will be cemented together by the World Budgerigar Organisation. The WBO must eventually become the political mouthpiece for the hobby, especially if we are to successfully face the growing pressures in various countries, associated with captive breeding. This was particularly brought home to me when I received a copy of a letter sent by Gary Clifton, who is the President of the American Federation of Aviculture.
"Dear American Federation of Aviculture Member,
We wish we could be writing under more favourable circumstances, however we are faced with an immediate threat that could end aviculture. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is being forced to consider adopting new regulations to protect all captive birds under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) which was enacted by Congress in 1966. USDA is not in favour of enforcing additional regulations, and indeed feels this additional burden would jeopardise the protection afforded to other species currently covered under present guidelines. Animal Rights groups opposed to aviculture are not satisfied with the current rules and have sued USDA through the courts to develop stricter regulations on us.
If this happens, regulations would not be so obvious as to simply ban bird ownership. Instead, impossibly high standards could be established, requiring such things as oversized stainless steel caging and separate food preparation areas, which can be used for no other purpose. Although bird ownership would still be legal, for all practical purposes it would be prohibitively expensive. The current AWA budget is insufficient to cover avian species. Therefore, funding of such regulatory efforts would be through expensive licensure or fees.
Several lower priority AFA projects will be delayed or suspended until this issue is resolved. AFA publications will, however, remain on their usual schedule. In order for AFA to deal with this issue effectively and be the watchbird of aviculture, we need your help now. Please send your contributions to: AFA, P.O. Box 56218, Phoenix, AZ 85079-6218
On behalf of the Board of Directors, American Federation of Aviculture,
Gary Clifton"
This may be just the tip of the iceberg and unless concerted effort is taken we could end up like the Titanic – sunk without trace!
Forthcoming Events
Here in the UK, with the breeding season heading towards its completion our thoughts turn to other matters, particularly our developing youngsters and the forthcoming show season. Also, an event that is very worthy of supporting is the Annual members Show of the Rare Variety and Colour BS. This is to be held on 23rd May 1999 at Wolvey, near Coventry and although exhibits in the show are restricted to members only, the remainder of the day is open to everyone and is free.
PROGRAMME
10.00 a.m. Show hall opens and entries accepted.
(Entries to the Show are restricted to RV & CBS Members only).
10.30 a.m. Entries close.
10.45 a.m. Judging commences - Judge: Geoff Bowley
Whilst judging is taking place Members are requested to attend a RV & CBS ‘Think-Tank’ in an adjoining room. This meeting will be chaired by the RV & CBS Chairperson and is the Members opportunity to let the Society Officials and Committee know how they feel the direction that the Society should take in the future.
1.30 p.m. Show opens to the public
1.00 p.m. Lunch break
2.30 p.m. Seminar opened by RV & CBS President - Tony Clegg
2.40 p.m. First session: speaker - Geoff Bowley
3.40 p.m. Second session: speaker - Kevin Eatwell BVSc (HONS) MRCVS
5.00 p.m. Presentation of awards, raffle etc.
5.30 p.m. Show closes
In addition, with the increase in ‘Rares’ on the show bench and the extra classes being allocated by the Budgerigar Society it is an ideal opportunity for subsidiary and full panel judges to acquaint themselves with these varieties of Budgerigar.
For further information, please contact General Secretary Sylvia Stalder, Telephone 01189-9421981, Email sstalder@netcomuk.co.uk