Channel Racing Post-Brexit

[willie reynolds]

CHANNEL RACING POST-BREXIT
25 March 2021

As you will be aware from my previous post (below), Defra had confirmed that racing pigeons transported into the EU from the UK for racing purposes, i.e. to be liberated in the EU to fly back to the UK, were exempt from the Animal Health Requirements. Following this confirmation we have been working with French Border Control to establish what paperwork was required. The outcome of this has been that there is a very different opinion to the ‘import’ of racing pigeons into the EU from the UK for racing purposes, in terms of the health documentation.

The current position of the French border control would make the prospect of racing from France or any EU country virtually impossible.

There has been successful lobbying of the EU commission by the FCI and European racing organisations in terms of exemptions for racing in relation to the the new animal health laws. While it seems the commission has now excluded racing pigeons from such requirements, it has recently become apparent that this is only the case for transport within the EU, by EU members states.

What is being done?
I am in regular contact with French Border Control, FCI and FCF (French Pigeon Racing Federation) to try and reach a position whereby we can make channel racing achievable. I have also brought this issue to the attention of Defra, who are looking into the issues.

While I am not an expert in the animal health requirements, I am of the opinion that article 62 of the Animal Health Requirements for Third Countries (countries outside of the EU), that allows such countries to apply for certain derogations (exemptions), is the avenue to take. However, the process for achieving these derogations is yet to be confirmed. The FCI and FCF are currently assisting in trying to establish the process with the Commission and the French Authorities.

Please be assured that everything that can be done is being done.

Ian Evans CEO