hepste

I have no interest in the site itself, or anything to do with this case. However, as I see it, the breach of contract is between the seller (owner of the bird), and the prospective buyer. The buyer has agreed to sell to the highest bidder, and failure to honour that obligation is laid firmly at his feet. The auctioneer is merely a conduit through which a sale is agreed. In the case of a dispute, I would expect the auctioneer to confirm that the agrieved party is the highest bidder (if that is fact), but his legal responsibilities end there don't they?

Similarly, how do I tell my children on Xmas morning "Santa's only got you a selection box each kids ,but the good news is he's he's brought me a £1000 Van Reet hen" Could put a bit of a damper on the rest of the day! ??)

I really can't see what the problem is naming the site. It's not as if your spreading malicious rumours. You are stating provable facts. Nobody will sue you for that!

Regardless of age pick out your very best cock that has won, and breeds winners, and your very best hen that has won and breeds winners - and give them to me!

As I said earlier, mistakes are sometimes made and we're not all perfect. It's the way you deal with errors is how you are judged. It is especially important when using a registered charity's good name and logo, that all eventualities are covered, money raised is done fairly and squarely, and everything is as professional as possible. This auction falls short of that.

I don't agree with the way this is being dealt with Andrew. You have agreed that the auction would run for 1 hour longer than it has, and you are in effect under contract to meet that obligation. If this were a saleroom auction, where there is a dispute, it is normal for the item to be put up again. In this case, I think the auction should be put up for a further 24 hours. We all know that many people make last minute bids, and much extra revenue is generated this way. I appreciate you haven't had to do this sale, but you have, and it needs to be done properly. You will also be aware of the self publicity/exposure it has generated for your business, so the CIN cause isn't the only benefactor. Had I gifted a bird I probably wouldn't be best pleased that my CIN donation has been short changed.

Well we all make mistakes, and the world would be pretty boring if we were all perfect. Perhaps we should wait to see if the way it is dealt with is fair before passing judgement.

Just a thought, but I suspect the auction time was not adjusted for the recent 1 hour time diff. Oops!!

Is it not normal for most competition rules to state that no relative/associate/friend/anyone with any connection to the organisers etc., have any part in that competition. I find it quite extrodinary that persons who have allegedly won prizes in the Europa Classic, were allowed to enter in the first place, don't you?

Every now and then, a bird's droppings will be a little amiss, for a variety of reasons. Sometimes green and slimey, sometimes a bit wet, etc. The thing is not to get over anxious, it usually clears up by itself. I normally find that the provision of red gritstone, and pink minerals help runny droppings. As long as the bird looks Ok, is feeding and drinking Ok, and looks well, I would leave alone.

There are two seperate issues on this one thread. I think it important we differentiate. 1. The plight of Karen James. It is a matter for her, and her alone. She has not requested and may not want any input from RPRA members. If she has a grievance, it should, in the first place be taken up with her Line Manager. 2. The disatisfaction of many members with the way the RPRA is run. This is a long standing grievance, which constantly comes to the surface, and it is good and healthy to have a debate on the alternatives. People such as Council members/GM put themselves in positions of responsibility, representing members, and as long as comments are not personal, and are constructive, then they have no reason to complain.

I have to admit, I'm quite taken with the idea. Basically, you create a set of rules(maybe based on the RPRA set), recruit some trustworthy, ethically sound people to administer the rules, deal with the periphary matters eg ring sales, reporting of strays etc., recruit members, and Bob's your uncle. Sounds too simple :-/

How many members do you need for it to be recognised as a union? I didn't realise there was a minimum.

Do you know, you have made some very, very good points that could just work. The problem I see, is signing up enough people/clubs to make it viable. But from small acorns do great oaks grow. What do others on here consider? I think it could be a go-er.

There is no doubt about it, the whole RPRA organisation needs a bloody good shake up, and streamlining. The mechanics of the way it administers the sport belongs to the last century. It is ludicrously pedestrian and slow, with no impetus or momentum. It needs a whole new strategy, which embraces the modern world, and creates a new image for the sport. The most up to date communication medium these days is the web, and look how dull and uninteresting the RPRA website is. It is just so frustrating. I would love someone to get in there and tear up the old rules and policies and start again. I can't see the new GM doing anything, because as a non fancier it will take 2 years to begin to understand this unique sport. Also he has no incentive. The post attracts an attractive salary, which is non performance related, with no recognisable measurement of effectiveness. In this day and age that is unheard of. Bloody shambles!

Cherry tree

Kev, It seems that a large number of fanciers who have used pigeonhealth (inc. myself) have had a result which shows "bacterial infection". I have to admit to being sceptical. .

Tom, you make the assumption that people have criticised because they are jealous. Wrong! Fanciers have voiced their concerns about this race for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is the welfare of the birds, and also the bad publicity that the sport has received. It doesn't help, when Mr Nicholls, on the website, refers to certain people who have dared criticise as being "scum". Lo and behold, even more bad publicity! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Sometimes it is based on limited knowledge of the detail, or is ill founded, but they are entitled to express their viewpoint, nonetheless. It is up to the reader of the material to make their own judgements.

I think you have to treat each sale on its merits, and make your own judgements. There is no doubt that at this time of the year, people are having a clear out, and if someone is willing to pay good money there is always someone willing to take it from you. For me, I would never sell anything that is not good enough for my own loft.

Quite right, but my wife would strip her by hand regularly, which involves pulling the longer hair out. Seemingly they both enjoyed the experience.

I can without hesitation recommend a border terrier. We had one with our kids, from when they were born, and she was absolutely brilliant, and showed no jealousy whatsoever. The kids would pull her and play with her all day, with never a growl. Got to know lots of other border owners and they all said the same. Borders are a little wilfull at times, but if you told her off she would sulk for an hour or so, then back to normal. Ours was good with the birds also. Brilliant dogs!

I believe it's used as a jealousy box for use with 2 hens and 1 cock, or I suppose the other way around. Never used one, but if I could afford it, would give it a go. They are VERY expensive to buy.

I don't have an issue with staffies. HoweverThe DDA prohibits the sale, advertising, trade, or ownership of pit bulls. You can only APPLY to have one registered if it has been seized. Was the original post requesting a pit bull that had been seized and registered. NO. It was requesting a puppy. Why anybody would want a pit bull for a pet is beyond me, and leaves the motive in doubt. The DDA is there for a reason. We have all read about the recent prosecutions in Bradford for dog fighting with pit bulls, and the horrendous images shown of the fighting. I repeat, notwithstanding the few cases where a dog is registered after seizure it is illegal to own a pit bull. SO WHY ADVERTISE FOR ONE!

True, but the healthier, and fitter they are going into the basket, the more up for it they will be when released.

My understanding is that it is illegal to own an unregistered pit bull, and there is no facility presently to register one. It raises the question why anyone would want an outlawed fighting dog.