To want to save the birds

[piedwagtail13]

It is so sad that songbirds are STILL being illegally trapped and served up as a 'delicacy' in Cyprus. This not only affects 'local' birds - although that's bad enough, but the ones making their migratory journeys to the rest of Europe and beyond, in other words, journeys to and from OUR gardens. I'm so outraged that the Cyprus government fails to enforce the law I've begun a petition which is on the petitions board here on Mumsnet, if anyone would like to sign it.

I'll sign, but doubt the government in Cyprus will actually care.

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sadly a totally different culture to ours, like you i feel strongly about wildlife but sadly a lot of people don't give a hoot, too busy with their own needs, to concern with the natural world.

This makes me v angry, but sadly like whaling, seal clubbing and a myriad of other truly horrible things done to animals, other cultures just don't see it. (they will fucking see it when there ars no more birds to shoot/whales to hunt, but how fucking shit is that? To have to wait for the things they kill to go extinct before they learn?!)

In 2016 it is madness to me that the Natural History Museum has to remove the horns of it's rhino skeletons, in case they are stolen. This is one of the few times I couldn't give a shit about cultural sensitivity, it is not ok to still believe that killing things for tradition/superstition is the done thing.

I have signed, but I don't think Cyprus will pay any attention.

Thank you for your support and signatures. You and I are not just sitting on our backsides complaining about things that are wrong. Even if we fail, at least we know we tried :)

i'm disappointed that more people are not getting on board with this, but may be this was not the right area to post but at least it made me aware, for one of the petition website and i've signed up for several petitions as a result, so thanks pied for the heads up and let's make a difference one signature at a time.

song birds are becoming less in this country due to their habitat being destroyed through various reasons. in some countries they are caged and kept as 'pets' but do not enjoy good lives and many end up on the dinner table.

I'll sign.

It is a sickening thing to do - they are so small and can't give more than a few mouthfuls of meat. Pointless and cruel.

Many of the birds affected by the trapping are on the endangered list. I don't feel humans have any right to wipe out other species so future generations cannot enjoy them. Imagine Spring without birdsong - unthinkable! I can't bear to think of any of these tiny, joyful little creatures being cruelly killed on their heroic journeys, already having to face natural predators and all winds and weathers. They are so tiny yet travel vast distances to their breeding grounds completely unaided - I feel nothing but respect for them. It's obscene to me to picture them on a plate!
Any suggestions please for a better place to post this thread?

It's easy to be negative about other cultures. Here there are millions of cats who are living furry playthings for humans. They aren't wildlife, they are bred deliberately or by human carelessness and they have a huge effect on the bird population by being allowed to roam free. But of course it's a superior culture.

Thank you all who have signed my petition. I really appreciate it.

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Could someone post a link please? I can't find the Petitions page

type in 'petition board' and key 'search' it will take you to the pages you need, there are 100's of petition to choose from and they are in themes, i signed 20 yesterday thanks to OP ! each has a target number of signatures so you can make a difference and feel positive you are trying to do something to help'

Let's also not forget Malta's part in this issue. Their annual hunting season is another major problem for our songbirds (as well as other breeds such as the endangered turtle dove).

Brilliant, thank you I shall head there now.

For those who think they can't make a difference remember these countries have a huge tourist industry, and for British tourists to vote with their feet will have an influence on their powers that be. I for one will not holiday in these places until they change their practices.

It would be really great if anyone who would not want to visit Cyprus, because of this issue, would contact the Tourist Board there and tell them so. Cyprus is busily preparing to host the European Capital of Culture 2017 so it's the perfect time to remind them that tourism is being affected by their unwillingness to enforce the law. It's their biggest industry after all. If this is your view please also consider signing my petition on the petitions board. Thank you.