Calls for Brexit rules stopping pigeon racing across the English Channel to be overturned

A Yorkshire MP has called for new Brexit rules stopping pigeon racing across the English Channel to be overturned.

Wentworth and Dearn MP John Healey has written to George Eustice, Environment Secretary, after being contacted by local pigeon fanciers.

New Animal Health Regulations due to come in on April 21 would have required pigeons to have a health certificate signed by a vet and be in the EU for 21 days before release.

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In May, the EU agreed to extend the transitional period for the regulations until October 2021, but member states can apply their own national rules and France continues to require an animal health certificate.

The birds usually complete the 500-mile trip in just a few hours, returning home on the same day they are releasedThe birds usually complete the 500-mile trip in just a few hours, returning home on the same day they are released
The birds usually complete the 500-mile trip in just a few hours, returning home on the same day they are released

UK owners want the requirements to be removed altogether.

Mick McGrevy, 73, has owned pigeons since he was 12. He currently has about 100 kept on land near his home in Goldthorpe Green, Goldthorpe.

He a former chairman and life vice-president of the National Flying Club, which was formed in 1898, has members nationwide and organises races from points in France and Spain during spring and summer.

The birds usually complete the 500-mile trip in just a few hours, returning home on the same day they are released.

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Mick said: “We really want to see this sorted out so we can get back to the racing we enjoy and have been doing for decades.”

Mr Healey said: “Owners appreciate the need for stringent regulations for movement into the EU but these birds are low risk and are not being imported, only transported then released.

“This should have been resolved as part of the Brexit terms and now needs an agreement with the EU. I want to know what the Secretary of State is doing to try to fix this and I’ve urged him to take this up with his counterpart in France.”

Mr Healey is also in touch with the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, which is raising concerns with the Government and the French Minister of EU and Foreign Affairs.