An animal welfare worker has claimed victory after the sale of birds as pets at a Parrot Society show in Stafford was ruled unlawful in a High Court test case.

The decision, which has implications for similar shows up and down the country, was a victory for animal welfare worker Malcolm Haynes.

Mr Haynes, from Great Wyrley, had challenged Stafford Borough Council's decision to allow pet sales at the Parrot Society UK's show, held last October at the Stafford county showground.

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The Animal Protection Agency (APA) - a national organisation that campaigns against the trade in wild animals as pets - is today celebrating a High Court decision that clearly rules that pet or wildlife markets are illegal. The case, brought by Malcolm Haynes against Stafford Borough Council, means that local councils should now act to prevent the sale of pet animals at markets.

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