Animal welfare groups back Sefton’s decision to close aviary
Council continues to move forward with closure of the Aviary
Animal welfare experts from across the world support decision
Attempts to find groups to take over management proved unsuccessful
The world’s largest animal rights group have written to Sefton Council, giving their full support to the closure of Botanic Gardens Aviary.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has joined the Born Free Foundation, the International Animal Protection Organisation In Defence of Animals and the Freedom for Animals organisation, as well as leading expert veterinary doctors, in giving their backing to the Local Authority over the decision to close the Aviary after 87 years.
While the decision has generated local discussion about the appropriateness of an aviary in the modern day, Sefton Council have been praised by these organisations for prioritising long term animal welfare over public criticism.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said:“Nobody is calling into question the care and kindness shown by staff and volunteers to these birds over the decades but the fact remains this facility is simply no longer in the best interests of the animals who are kept there.
“I have seen numerous comments from people telling us that this decision has nothing to do with animal welfare. Experts do not share that same view.”
Dr Carys Bennett, Senior Corporate Projects Manager, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said:“PETA applauds Sefton Council for its decision to close the Botanic Gardens aviary and rehome the animals to facilities better able to meet their needs.
“Birds are not ornaments to be displayed. The aviary’s parrots, for example, are highly social animals who, in nature, live in flocks, fly long distances, forage for food, and make their own choices.
“Confining them with little stimulation does not respect animals’ best interests, or meet their social, psychological or physical needs. In the 80 years since the aviary was set up, our understanding of animals as individuals has advanced tremendously, and the urgency to protect wildlife, in the wild, has never been greater.”
Chris Lewis, Captivity Research and Policy Manager at international wildlife charity Born Free, added:“While we recognise the nostalgia and fond memories that local residents may have about the aviary, Born Free feels strongly that tradition should never be used as justification or a barrier for improving animal welfare or ending poor welfare practices which may once have been considered socially acceptable.”
Leading veterinary surgeon Dr Emma Milne, who has been recognised for her tireless work on animal welfare and ethics, has also given her backing to Sefton Council.
Dr Milne BVSc FRCVS said:“The keeping of birds in aviaries, in my opinion, is fundamentally wrong. We know that some of the cornerstones of animal welfare are freedom of choice and being able to express natural behaviours. Caging birds and restricting flight and social needs can’t be justified unless for clinical need. Add to this the exposure to people and the stress that may cause, and it’s easy to stand behind any initiative that seeks to close these establishments.”
Responding to questions regarding the potential of volunteers taking over the aviary site from the Local Authority, Cllr Atkinson reiterated historic challenges Sefton have faced in identifying a suitable leaseholder.
Cllr Atkinson said:“Of course we have had discussions previously about the long term future of the aviary, with initial discussions looking at how it could continue to stay open.
“In 2016/17 the Council first considered proposals by the Botanic Gardens Community Association (BGCA) to manage both the fernery and aviary on site. Over time, active proposals only emerged for the fernery. The aviary continued to remain within the Council's remit with the understanding this would be a temporary measure while volunteers looked at how this facility could be taken on.
“In 2019, with no viable arrangements coming forward for volunteers taking over staffing, the aviary was advertised on The Chest public procurement portal to see if any other expressions of interest might come forward.
“A proposal was received by Rainbow Bird & Animal Rescue (RBAR) seeking a short leasehold of the aviary and we made a number of checks on the suitability of the charity before Heads of Terms were offered.
“Negotiation progressed well before RBAR withdrew their interest. BGCA then indicated that, to help sustain the future of the aviary, they could direct their energies to supporting the running costs: Overall the Community Association brings in an average of £1,500 of income from the on site donation column.
“It is fantastic to see such strong community passion for this rapidly ageing facility, and I hope that passion for animal welfare continues when we offer up the opportunity for people to be involved in the development of the site going forward as a nature space for native wildlife.
“We understand that the birds housed in the aviary will need to spend the rest of their lives in captivity, but they should be able to live their lives in peaceful captivity and not for public enjoyment.”
