Council decides to prevent cull of monk parakeets in Borehamwood (From Borehamwood Times)

Council decides to prevent cull of monk parakeets in Borehamwood

9:05pm Wednesday 9th November 2011 in News By Bruce Thain

COUNCILLORS have decided to extend the ban preventing the cull of monk parakeets in Borehamwood.

Hertsmere Council agreed at a meeting of the executive several recommendations including that no shooting of parakeets by Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) should take place on land in Hertsmere.

It was also agreed that any incidents involving the removal of parakeets should be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Finally if birds are to be dealt with then it should be done humanely and approved contractors should be able move nests and birds to a nearby aviary.

Councillor Sandra Parnell, supporter of campaign said after the meeting: “The executive have made the right decision and they have done everything in their power.”

Simon Richardson, head of the campaign said: “Our main of contention with Defra is there is no evidence to justify the cull of parakeets.”

“There is also no evidence to show they are a threat to agriculture or to local wildlife.”

Defra previously argued monk parakeets are a pest and a threat to agriculture and should be culled as a precautionary measure.

However there was no representative from Defra present at the meeting, which chairman Councillor Morris Bright said “was a shame and frustrating”.