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Council acts after bans elsewhere moves pigeon racing to Delta

Pigeon racing will be banned in Delta. Council this week gave preliminary approval to an amendment to the city’s animal control bylaw to prohibit the racing of pigeons.
pigeon racing
Ladner resident Masako Evans, a veterinary technician, launched an online petition this year calling on Delta to ban pigeon racing.

Pigeon racing will be banned in Delta.

Council this week gave preliminary approval to an amendment to the city’s animal control bylaw to prohibit the racing of pigeons.

A report notes that to date in 2020 staff have documented several unsanctioned pigeon racing events resulting in 31 abandoned pigeons being turned into the Delta Community Animal Shelter.

The majority of the birds were found to be suffering from various illnesses, including lice infections.

An additional three birds likely associated with the racing events were found deceased in the community.

Due to their poor condition, abandoned pigeons have required significant in-house and veterinary care through the shelter, the report notes.

While 19 of the pigeons were claimed, including 18 by non-Delta residents, safe and secure opportunities for re-homing the remaining birds is limited, requiring lengthy stays at the shelter, the report adds.

The bylaw allows property owners and lessees to keep and exercise birds on and from their own property, but prohibits pigeon owners from allowing their birds to perch, roost, nest or stray on public and/or private property not belonging to the owner.

Other jurisdictions, including Richmond and Surrey, have enacted bylaws and the enforcement of those bylaws may be one reason for the recent influx of non-resident pigeon owners racing their birds in Delta, the report notes.

The proposed fine for pigeon offences is $200.