Cage & Aviary Birds Magazine No.5781Nice weather for Waxbills Back Issue

SOMETIMES IT FEELS like all we ever hear
about is bad news. Here at Cage & Aviary Birds
we try to cover a balance of good and bad
news from around the country. Unfortunately,
with the recent spate of exhibition bird thefts
and crime stories of primary schools’ ducks and chickens
being murdered, our news pages can look a little bleak.
In this week’s issue we have another similar story of pet
chickens being killed at a school in Lancashire. The motive
is clear for stealing birds, as the thieves can make money,
but I have no idea what would possess someone to
randomly kill animals in this way. As K. L. McGill says in her
letter (see page 8), these people need to be punished by
hefty fines or prison sentences, but also to be re-educated
to have respect for birds and animals. Although we can
never stop
people from
committing such
crimes, as
birdkeepers we
can make sure
our birds are
kept securely.
On a more
positive note, it is encouraging to read about the great
things clubs and fanciers are doing. Stratford-upon-Avon
CBS has reformed following a five-year break and hosted a
bird art competition for seven local schools. After the event
we spoke to Mr Hunt, the headteacher of one of the
participating schools, Bishopton Primary School. He was
extremely pleased to see how well the show was supported
in terms of exhibitors, interest from the general public and
the response to the competition from the children. He
added that he hopes some pupils and their families will be
inspired to take up birdkeeping. What a great way to
encourage youngsters and get them interested in birds. For
more information on the event, see news page 4.
The Editor’s Letter will be back to
normal again next week, when Rob
Innes returns from his holiday.
Have a great week with your birds!