BARNSLEY Council is urging bird keepers across the town to register their animals by October 1.

The new government law means that regardless of how many birds you have, even if they are kept as pets, locals must report it to them.

Caged birds like budgerigars, parrots, or canaries do not have to be registered but species like chickens, turkeys and pigeons do need to be registered.

A council spokesperson said: “By registering, you’ll help manage potential avian disease outbreaks and limit any spread. If you have a CPH and are already registered, you do not need to re-register.

“Further information is available at gov.uk/poultry-registration.”