In defence of the noble pigeon (From Echo)

In defence of the noble pigeon

11:14am Thursday 26th August 2010 in

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I read about Pam Gladwyn being told by two wardens that she could not release her pigeons on RSPB land because pigeon racing was cruel.

I am 93 and was born into a pigeon family. My father, grandfather and two uncles were all pigeon fanciers. I have 90 years experience with the sport.

There are several hundred pigeon fanciers in the UK and they have their own governing bodies.

The Royal Pigeon Racing Association is the largest and the Queen is our patron, following in her grandfather’s footsteps, the late King George V.

In the Second World War, more than 50,000 pigeons were registered by the armed forces.

Overall, 30 pigeons were given the medal for gallantry, equivalent to the Victoria Cross.

Several years ago an eminent ornithologist said there were 26,000 pairs of sparrowhawks in the UK. So to survive, 52,000 birds would need to kill 52,000 small birds and over a year the toll of small birds would be 18,998,900. During their breeding season and probably with two rounds of chicks, these would need at least one small bird a day.

The RSPB blames farmers for the use of pesticides and the loss of hedgerows. Now it is putting nesting sites in the towns and cities for raptors.

I spent over six years in the Army Pigeon Service, eventually commanding its training unit.

Major Claude Hill
Benfleet Road
Benfleet