Bird sale anouncement Victoria all states ???

[Craig52]

That's great news Sam, finally something beginning to happen but a bit late for some early Expo's and possibly the rest of them.

Craig

[SamDavis]

Planning for our meeting with Minister Pulford's Chief of Staff this Thursday April 7th is nearing completion. We have a major paper prepared which will be released publicly after the meeting.
As you are no doubt aware, this will be the first meeting with the Minister's office regarding this issue. Recall that we and others have been petitioning for this meeting for nearly 12 months. It is progress, however it is highly unlikely this meeting will yield immediate results, rather it is a start to find a way forward such that meaningful dialogue can commence.

Regards,
Sam

[Budgie_Smugglers]

Good luck ! Hope everything goes well...
I went to the Geelong event on Sunday for the first time.
Good weather...Had a great time discovering new birds i'd never seen before.
I didn't buy a single bird...

[SamDavis]

PRESS RELEASE 8/4/2016

Synopsis of meeting with the office of Minister Jaala Pulford to resolve restrictions on the sale of birds at bird shows, sales and auctions throughout Victoria

On Thursday 7th April Sam Davis (FSA President and CCBFA Vice President), Dr Stacey Gelis (Avian Veterinarian), David Renshaw (President VAC) and Dr Gary Fitt (NFSA Vice President) met with Minister Jaala Pulford's Chief of Staff Megan Berry to present the following paper on behalf of the membership of approximately 195 Victorian Avicultural clubs.

“Bird Shows, Sales and Auctions in Victoria: Frequency, Size, History, Welfare and Legislative Reality”
Download link - http://www.finchsociety.org/vic_bird_sale_paper.pdf

Discussion emphasised the lack of welfare issues at the frequent bird shows, sales and auctions held throughout Victoria and nationally for well over 100 years. It was agreed by all present that welfare of birds in our charge is paramount and that The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 is the legislative tool regulating captive bird welfare in Victoria. We presented facts highlighting the fallacy that the contentious Section 96 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 in any way protects the welfare of birds. Furthermore, lack of evidence to the contrary makes it clear Section 96 was enacted in ignorance of frequent bird shows, sales and auctions.

An undertaking was received from the Chief of Staff that Minister Pulford would respond within weeks to our recommendations to exempt “caged birds” from Section 96. Please note there is no guarantee the response will be in our favour.

The Chief of Staff will report back regarding the possibility of appointing an avian representative to the recently formed Victorian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC).

The Chief of Staff reaffirmed the Minister's previous undertaking to review Section 96 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994. This will occur in conjunction with other unrelated amendments to the Act which are currently being considered. At this time there is no consultation planned and no timeline for this undertaking hence the urgent need to exempt “caged birds” in the interim.

Thanks to the Minister’s office, in particular Chief of Staff Megan Berry, for Thursday’s meeting. We look forward to ongoing consultation as we work together to resolve the issue.

My appreciation to all who have contributed to the paper and for the many words of support and encouragement. See you at a sale soon!

Kind regards,

Sam Davis
Finch Society of Australia (FSA) President
Canary and Cage Bird Federation of Australia (CCBFA) Vice President

[E Orix]

It's amazing what can happen when people who know what they are doing stand up and organise others around them.
Well done Sam I doubt if it would have happened without your great effort.
We don't know what will transpire but at least they know we are serious about our hobby.
David Holmes

[SamDavis]

It has now been well over 2 months since the April 7th meeting without the promised response from the Minister's office. I have been emailing to chase the issue a number of times, including a request for a direct meeting with the Minister. In addition, the issue was raised directly in parliament on May 5th with no response from the Minister.
http://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/is ... d67/1/doc/

Some other options are currently being explored to progress this issue. In the interim it would be terrific if Victorians could write to their local state member asking for a response from Minister Pulford to the items detailed in the April 7th Meeting Synopsis and the parliamentary question linked to above. In particular, demanding the following undertaking is acted upon in our favour.

An undertaking was received from the Chief of Staff that Minister Pulford would respond within weeks to our recommendations to exempt “caged birds” from Section 96.

I have written to the representatives of the 195 Victorian clubs represented on April 7th requesting they do likewise.


Regards,
Sam
FSA President
CCBFA Vice President

(The detailed proposal delivered on April 7th is here - http://www.finchsociety.org/vic_bird_sale_paper.pdf)

[finchbreeder]

In the wrong state to write, but urge those who are to do so. The squeeky wheel gets the oil at least some of the time so it's worth bugging your local pollie.
LML

[SamDavis]

The Hansard link above is no longer working. Here is a screenshot of the yet to be answered parliamentary question.

parliament question.jpg

I encourage Victorians to write to their local state member and suggest they ask a similar question of the Minister.

[SamDavis]

Hi everyone - a bit of an update on the Vic Bird Sale issue.

I recieved a letter from Minister Pulford earlier this week (see below). IMHO this response is both good and bad news.

The bad news first....
1. Arrogant to make no attempt to justify not offering exemption from s96 whilst considering permanent amendments to the DAA.
2. Comment acknowledging VAC welfare work is positive, however this is irrelevant to s96 and indicates misunderstanding in terms of s96 current "expressions of interest" practice which has no effect on bird welfare outcomes (and I suspect is illegal as the law currently stands).
3. Brushed aside regarding AWAC representative which is no surprise. If I recall correctly this was a suggestion from Megan Berry rather than us. States really must stay in touch with Govt so they don't miss such opportunities in the future. Did you know Glenys Oogjes, the Exec Director of Animals Australia is on the AWAC?

The good news...
1. The Minister has, at last, acknowledged she has the legislative power to offer an exemption from s96. It could be done very rapidly.
2. A commitment to introduce s96 amendments to parliament THIS YEAR so some indicator of timing, but as we know amendment processes can drag on for months or even years. And the nature of the proposed amendment is unknown.

Great to hear about the over the border Mildura sale, the Canary sale at a dealer's premises and various other sales/auctions continuing with specific council approval. We now have a few opposition MPs engaged so at least we're beginning to be heard. Club representatives are considering our next move.

This issue really is dragging on - ridiculous!
There must something going on that we're unaware of.

Regards,
Sam

pulford 010816.jpg

[garyh]

Thanks for the up date Sam ,we hear nothing hear in Vic about what is actually happening with the sales,i think our admin of the AA want us to know nothing,a lot of discussion at the Ballarat sale today on this issue,and nothing really being said by OUR representatives,seem to be dragging their tale through the gutter ,garyh