As many of you may know on the 8th December 2025 A.P.H.A. issued new guidelines for the issuing of licenses for Bird Gatherings (Shows) these are especially restrictive for the Canary shows and will make it harder and more expensive to run shows and will be very restrictive for Canary (Border) Fanciers to show their birds having to quarantine their birds for 14 days between shows.
We are imploring for all canary fanciers to help us in a campaign to encourage A.P.H.A / D.E.F.R.A.to rethink their position.
We need all canary exhibitors to band together and join us and send letters to their M.P.s , and D.E.F.R.A.
Below are two letters you can download (written by Stuart Mason ) and email or post.
How to Send Your Letter
You can choose either of the following:
By Post (very effective):
Write to:
Your MP’s name MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
No stamp is required.
By Email:
If you are comfortable with email, your MP’s address can be found on the UK Parliament website, or a family member may be able to help.
Handwritten letters are absolutely acceptable.
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Important – Send It Yourself
Please make sure:
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You send your own letter
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Letters are sent individually
This is much more effective than group letters or petitions.
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If Your MP Replies
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Any reply is helpful, even a short one
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Please keep a copy
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If possible, pass the reply to your club secretary or association
If the MP says they have written to DEFRA on your behalf, that is a positive result.
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Why This Matters
Bird exhibitions are not just competitions. For many people they are:
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an important social activity
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part of long-standing community traditions
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a source of enjoyment and purpose
Your letter helps MPs understand the real impact these rule changes are having on ordinary, law-abiding people.
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Final Word
Do not worry about “getting it wrong”.
A short, polite letter from a constituent carries real weight.
Thank you for taking the time to support the future of our hobby
List of D.E.F.R.A Offices
Find below the list of local offices.
