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Delta to ban 'inhumane' sport

Pigeon racing will be banned in Delta. Council has directed staff to report back with a bylaw prohibiting the activity.
delta pigeon racing
An online petition to ban pigeon racing has about a 1,000 names.

Pigeon racing will be banned in Delta.

Council has directed staff to report back with a bylaw prohibiting the activity.

Having launched an online petition, Ladner resident and registered veterinary technician Masako Evans recently wrote to council saying there’s been an increase in the number of pigeons found by the community.

“I'm sure you are all aware of the 80-plus pigeons that were lost in a recent racing event held at Holly Park. Each time one of these events is held, birds inevitably get lost. A number are posted by good Samaritans on local Facebook pages, wondering what to do for these animals,” wrote Evans.

“They are then picked up by the Delta Community Animal Shelter, and bylaw officers. Many arrive with external parasites (lice), injuries and illness caused by dehydration, and starvation. The pigeons are band raised so are completely defenseless when released, do not know how to forage or defend themselves and many succumb to predators such as hawks, raccoons and cats. Delta has done a fantastic job ensuring many of these pigeons do not suffer.”

Evans noted pigeons are treated and cared for by shelter staff but are never claimed because owners do not want to pay a fee to retrieve them.

The shelter then has the task of trying to rehome the pigeons, Evans said, adding that the Surrey shelter holds birds for seven days before euthanizing them.

Council agreed with the letter urging a bylaw.

“Releasing defenseless birds and then abandoning the ones who get lost is inhumane,” Evans stated.