– We disagree with the ministry’s decision. Pheasants and partridges have existed in the Norwegian fauna for several hundred years and still do. That’s what Torsten Dehn, chairman of the Federation of Bird Dog Clubs, says. The association complained about the Norwegian Environment Agency’s decision not to allow the keeping and breeding of pheasants and partridges to the Ministry of Climate and the Environment. They rejected the complaint. The decision from the Norwegian Environment Agency is thus upheld. The reason is that these birds find it difficult to survive in the Norwegian climate. “According to the ministry’s assessment, available knowledge suggests that pheasants and partridges do not have good opportunities to adapt and survive where they are released. Among other things, with regard to Norwegian climatic conditions.” (Ministry of Climate and Environment). Siri Marthinsen, press contact at Noah. Photo: Bente Isefjær / NOAH Very gratifying, says Siri Marthinsen of the animal protection organization Noah. – This means that the ministry agrees with us that animal welfare must be taken into account in the assessment. The Animal Welfare Act prohibits treating animals in this way if they cannot manage outside. – Tougher conditions in Russia The Federation of Bird Dog Clubs believes the decision is not based on much knowledge. – There are strains of these birds elsewhere in Scandinavia, including in Finland. They also live in harsher conditions in Russia than we have here, says Dehn. Therefore, they will engage researchers to bring new knowledge into the debate. – There had been an opinion in certain circles that is not based on knowledge. We are therefore ordering a research report to get more facts for claims we believe are not sufficiently well documented. According to the association, the assignment will go to Norwegian researchers. Controversial practice Bird dog owners have for many years released pheasants and partridges into the wild to train their dogs. A practice that has been controversial after news reported in 2018 about birds that died of hunger and cold during the winter. Several organizations reacted to the practice. And there have been several rounds on the matter: Now the Ministry of Climate and the Environment has also put its foot down for this practice. – This decision means that there is finally an end to keeping pheasants and partridges in captivity and using them for hunting dog training, says Marthinsen. PARTICIPANTS: The dispute is, among other things, about whether partridges (pictured) and pheasants can manage outside in Norwegian nature in winter. Photo: Rune Christoffer Holm / news Norwegian Championship in Sweden Bird hunting clubs use the birds to train grouse hunting. They also have competitions to choose the best bird dog. Now they have to leave Norway to be able to continue their sport. – We have organized Norwegian championships with the King’s Cup for over 50 years, says Dehn. – We imagine that we will have to organize the Norwegian championship in Sweden. That’s where we train now, he continues. Vestfold bird dog club has also been involved in the case, but does not wish to comment on the ministry’s decision. They refer to the association centrally.
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Complaint rejected – bird dog owners are not allowed to breed – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
