Article Published: 10 October 2007

By Chris Derby-Lewis

The SPCA have taken the sport of racing pigeons parse and highlighted its quest for the well being and care of racing pigeons in transit. This decision affects all organizations competing on Saturdays. The writer has had numerous discussions with Mr Andre Venter, Chief Inspector SPCA based at Grassy Park.

From these meetings and dialogue prominent issues emerged and the following was requested involving all Unions and Organizations across the spectrum.

1. As soon as a pigeon transporter has pigeons loaded the water tanks of the trailer must be full (from this first pickup point).

2. All racing trailers must have sufficient light and light switches in the passage way of the trailer enabling easy access and working conditions in case of an emergency.

3. The storage bins for food on the trailer must be clean and free from any fuel vapours.

4. There must be sufficient food for the amount of pigeons in transit during overnight races.

5. All organizations are to study the five day weather forecast eliminating the possibility of liberating pigeons in adverse weather conditions.

6. The SPCA will be visiting different race venues during the 2009 season to check on bird numbers in panniers (over crowding).

7. The SPCA requested that basket supervisors check for any sick birds and that any fancier basketing a sick bird be disqualified from racing until a vet certified his pigeons (loft) fit for racing.

8. They also requested that Union committees do preseason loft visits to ensure that members wishing to compete are taking care of their pigeons and that pigeon housing is of an acceptable standard in terms of the well being of the pigeon.

9. The SPCA agreed in principle to hold workshops during 2009 in order to equip fancies with the knowledge to understand the above requirements and adhere to same. Gone are the days of pigeon organization operating to their own rules. The new Animal Protection Act is a reality, I urge all management committees of pigeon organizations within the Western Cape to familiarize themselves with the rules. The SPCA has the well being and caring of our racing pigeons as a priority. The sport of racing pigeons is a reality and they have made it clear that their approach to our sport will be more proactive in 2009.

Chris Derby-Lewis
PRO for the Federated Board of Homing Unions
082 621 8813