The Victorian Government's Department of Primary Industry is contemplating changes to the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Vic) which will potentially regulate (and prohibit) the keeping of certain exotic birds. Blue and Gold Macaws, various Amazons, Quakers, Nandays, Indian Ringnecks, Alexandrines, and many finches are just some examples of exotics included in that list.
Similar laws prohibiting the keeping, breeding, trade and sale of exotic animals (including birds) have been adopted on a state-by-state basis in the USA over the past 2 years.
This could well be the start of something similar in Australia which may extend to other states. The list of prohibited birds may also expand to include exotics not currently listed. These laws WILL affect all of us.
Please see the petition link at
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/people-against-the-bird-law.html
At the bottom of that page are links to the Victorian Department of Primary Industries web pages which discusses the ambit of the contemplated laws and the consultation that has already taken place.
Please inform your bird clubs and other relevant bodies of these foreshadowed changes. Please also let your state politicians know your views on this issue.