RPRA Channel Racing Update -

[willie reynolds]

I am conscious that it has been over 5 weeks since my last update. Therefore, I wanted to update members in terms of actions and strategy. Long Term Objectives It has been widely publicised that the new EU Animal Health regulation (2020/692) makes it virtually impossible to facilitate racing from the continent. With this in mind our attention has to be focused on a long term solution that can only be achieved by an amendment to this regulation. Therefore, a petition has been drafted with a view to petitioning the EU commission to amend the relevant regulation/ rules of moving pigeons from the UK into the continent for the purpose of racing. I am aware of an EU petition circulating on social media that has received a great deal of support from UK pigeon fanciers and their families. However, this petition will not help our cause as it focuses on the movement of pigeons between members states and not Third Countries. Furthermore, it is my understanding that only EU citizens can petition the commission and that petitions can only be raised by organisations based within the EU. As a result, we have approached the FCI for their assistance.. This petition will be circulated to the national racing pigeon bodies of EU member states, to publicise wide and far among their members and request their support. In addition I have met with representatives of the NFC and BICC who are keen to help. They are currently approaching EU based Lobbying organisation to identify suitability and to establish cost. Short Term Objectives As previously publicised the EU commission agreed to a transitional period before implementing the new regulation. However, during the transitional period member states can apply their own rules in relation to the movement of racing pigeons from Third Countries. The current rules being implemented by the French Authorities are as onerous as those contained within the EU regulation 2020/692. A supportive French Senator will be raising a question, aimed at helping the short term movement into France, at the French Senate on 13th July. Despite the assistance of the FCI and numerous emails to other EU countries; we have been unable to establish the rules of moving pigeons into other EU countries during the transitional period. All Party Parliament Group (APPG) The Chair of the APPG will once again be writing to the DEFRA Minister, highlighting the issues and requesting assistance in negotiating a solution. This letter will be published in due course. Ian Evans CEO

[willie reynolds]

Yesterday I received a draft copy of proposed amendments to the new EU Animal Health Law. You may recall at the start of the year my communication highlighted the possibility within the regulations for derogation's (Exemptions) under article 62. The draft amendment does include proposed derogation's that IF approved, would be a huge step towards achieving continental racing in 2022. I must stress that there is still a long way to go. The RPRA will continue to work with DEFRA, FCI and other European colleagues and friends to hopefully achieve the desired outcome. Ian Evans CEO.