UK And EU Permanently End Imports Of All Wild Bird Species - Times

A permanent ban on the import of wild birds into Britain and the rest of the European Union was agreed yesterday in a move that will protect rare species and save millions of animals. Chief veterinary officers from EU member states met in Brussels to ban wild bird imports on the ground of the health risk posed by avian flu and other diseases.

Imports of poultry into Europe from all but a handful of nations that satisfy European standards of health and welfare are also to be banned.

Popular pet birds such as parrots and macaws are included in the ban, along with 3,000 other species that are traded internationally.

Ben Bradshaw, the Minister for Animal Health and Welfare, had backed calls for a ban. He said that he was delighted with the decision and extended his thanks to campaigners. The announcement of the ban was greeted with euphoria by conservation groups and animal rights groups, which have for years been demanding that imports of wild birds, many of which are endangered, be halted.

EDIT

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2543343,00.html

People who think Europeans are so progressive, think again.

Perpetuating substantial environmental damage to employ a few thousand people in an industry that's dead and hasn't fallen over yet.