In a warning from the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA), members, clubs and race officials were urged to make pigeon welfare their highest priority as an exceptional period of hot weather begins.
The RPRA noted that heat stress can adversely affect birds during transport, holding and racing—particularly when combined with high humidity, inadequate air circulation or prolonged periods in baskets.
The RPRA advises that when temperatures are expected to approach or exceed 30°C, or when temperature, humidity and other environmental factors together may create risk, officials should act with additional caution. Key considerations include careful assessment of conditions at the release point and along the race line; scheduling releases, where possible, in the coolest hours such as early morning; ensuring adequate ventilation and continuous access to water during transport; adjusting basket densities during transport and holding to minimise heating; and considering shortening, postponing or cancelling a race if conditions pose an unacceptable welfare risk. The association also noted that young birds and birds flown on more demanding courses may be more vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
The RPRA emphasised that no race result is more important than the health and welfare of the birds entrusted to our care. Members, officials and convoy teams are therefore asked to keep welfare central to decisions during hot periods. It was also stressed that no single weather parameter should be assessed in isolation, and that a precautionary approach should be taken where there is reasonable doubt.
Members were asked to inform the Racing Support team in a timely manner of changes to race schedules, including release times, race points and any postponements or cancellations; timely communication will help keep members informed and, where necessary, allow appropriate support to be provided.
Acting together and making sensible decisions to continue responsible racing will protect pigeons' welfare while maintaining public confidence in the sport.
Chris Sutton RPRA CEO
