Campaigners are to march in Solihull to protest against an NEC show selling birds caught in the wild. The decision by Solihull Council to grant a licence for the National Caged and Aviary Bird Exhibition has angered protesters who say it was improperly granted. Peter Robinson, a former RSPB investigator and consultant ornithologist to bird charities, said up to 75 per cent of the birds at the market were captured in the wild. Mr Robinson, acting for Animal Aid which is organising the march, said the practice meant many birds, including some rare species, died or underwent suffering. He said it also threatened the habitats of breeds such as macaws. A third of the exhibition, due to take place on December 6-7, will be dedicated to exhibiting and competitions of birds and two thirds will be shown by dealers for trade. Mr Robinson said that in the past, 25 per cent of the birds being sold were canaries and budgies bred in captivity but 75 per cent were caught in the wild. "These will be birds from the tropical forests of South America, South Africa, India and South East Asia," he said. "A huge number will be common birds like finches but there will also be macaws, toucans and rare breeds like the palm cockatoo which sell for £2-3,000. "Often it is claimed that the birds are bred in captivity, but in reality they are not. You cannot breed enough birds such as toucans and macaws in captivity to make it commercially viable." Elaine Toland, of Animal Aid, said: "The 1983 Amendment Act to the Pet Animals Act 1951 prohibits the sale of pets in a public place such as a market. We would argue that this was such a public place and we invite the councillors of Solihull's Licensing Committee to go along to this event to see for themselves the horror show they are responsible for." A spokeswoman for Solihull Borough Council said they had sought independent legal advice on the matter. "Both sides were very strong so we wanted to be sure we were doing the correct thing," she said. "The NEC is privately owned and people pay to enter, so it is not a public place." A spokeswoman for IPC Media, which is organising the event said: "The welfare of birds at the National Cage and Aviary Birds Exhibition is of paramount importance. The national exhibition involves approximately 15,000 birds, the vast majority being canaries or budgerigars bred in captivity. "The exhibition, which is a completely legal event, meets and far exceeds the required care standards with five veterinary surgeons on site, and annual inspection by the RSPCA. "IPC Media has vigorously defended its right to hold the exhibition this year and will therefore be supporting the rights of all responsible pet owners in the UK. The march will take place on Saturday from Mell Square at midday with 50 or so protesters expected to attend. | 
