ANIMAL experts have called for the Government to stop a bird market taking place in Lancashire, for fear of the deadly avian flu virus being spread.
The Animal Protection Agency (APA), which campaigns against the trade in wild animals for pets, has informed the Government it intends to take High Court action unless it stops the market, scheduled to take place on Saturday in Bilsborrow, near Preston.
The APA has written to government minister Margaret Beckett MP, to appeal for such events to be banned under a recent European Commission order, which was made last Thursday, calling for an EU-wide ban on bird events.
The APA has also threatened High Court proceedings if the Government's department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) does not comply with the order.
Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency, said: "DEFRA have for too long allowed wildlife dealers to have a free ride.
"This has led to largely unregulated trade in exotic animals and to Britain becoming known as the dirty country of Europe where wild animal imports are concerned."
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