Some
of what I will express in this article will not
I expect be accepted by many fanciers because
its essence is contrary to tradition and we all
know that tradition is a hallowed part of the
human fabric. As I have written in the past the
animal welfare organizations are turning their
attention on the sport especially on the continental
mainland and I have no doubt that this attention
will be exercised in Britain and in Ireland in
due course.
Aware
of this growing threat to our sport I am concerned
about the losses that the fancy is experiencing
and the apparent stampede to replace those losses
via over breeding or buying from the numerous
studs. In relation to the studs I know of cases
where fanciers are not breeding their own anymore
but relying upon those bought from the latter
businesses. In fact since my recent return to
the sport compared with the 1950/60s period
I sense an element of craziness today that was
absent then. And this against a background of
an ageing fanciership and the sports failure
to attract new blood. Now I don't want to be
overly pessimistic but unless the international
body of the sport initiate now an official commission
of inquiry (including representatives from each
nation where the sport exists) into the present
state and status of the sport and hopefully
a productive way forward, such an inquiry in
the future will be but a requiem.
Aside
from human error or down right stupidity there
are numerous theories circulating as to the
reason for the massive losses that is taking
place throughout pigeondom in recent years.
Of course there were losses in the earlier period
quoted and throughout the sports history, in
fact, there has to be losses but I believe that
it is extreme today and it would be folly if
the sport refused to inquire or seek answers.
But the lead has to come from the top and for
the welfare of the sport it must come now! Perhaps
a new universal code for the liberation of our
thoroughbreds maybe required as well as a limit
on the number of races and the numbers that
each fancier is free to send. In other words
the universal legalization within reason of
quality rather than quantity! Thus imposing
a self discipline that canbe only for the good
of the sport.
Such
a sport imposed discipline would in time alter
the number of losses and the resulting stray
problem. Thus counteracting the criticism that
we breed hundreds of pigeons yearly and throw
them to a future with the ferals on the streets
of our towns and cities without a concern for
animal rights and welfare. Which brings me to
perhaps the most controversial aspect of this
article, that is the case of young bird racing.
Is there a case for the non racing of young
pigeons? We acknowledge that our thoroughbreds
have to receive a wholesome programme of training
along the line of flight but considering the
fact that a racing pigeon is not physically
and assumable psychologically mature until 18
months of age are we not asking too much of
them? Especially when we consider mature birds
having difficulty with the same or similar race
programme. After all inspite of the recorded
outstanding feats by young pigeons (but they
are in the minority) a close observation of
our young clearly show them to be but babies.
Many of whom perhaps could become national winners
if they were not thrown into the fray at such
an early age to a future of footpath rummaging.
Of course as I said above there will be losses
otherwise we would not have the accommodation
to manage. This arises from the fact that there
are many variables at play such as intelligence
and stupidity as well as poor management by
their owners, etc,.
Since
my return and my increased awareness of such
loveable creatures as our thoroughbreds I tend
to think that race horse owners and grey hound
racers are more appreciative of their animals
than many pigeon fanciers. Especially those
fanciers who flog their birds in order to win
a race or two. Yes, we all desire to be successful
but there is more to the sport than winning.
For example the slow and careful preparation
of our young and yearling pigeons in order to
prepare them to meet the bad days as well as
the good days when they are mature enough. As
for the opinion that our birds must have race
experience when youngsters that is old hat for
the records show that many a great pigeon never
experienced a race while young. A proper programme
of training suffices in preparation for the
future.
Yes,
there are many wrongs in our sport such as overcrowding,
lack of ventilation, and other failures of management
but here I am adding the abuse by many fanciers
upon the future of their lofts, that is, their
young birds and also their yearlings. For beyond
the young bird stage the majority of strays
entering other lofts are year olds. Merely children
sent to do adult tasks in their stages of immaturity.
However I cannot envisage a ban because of human
nature on young bird or yearling races but I
would contend that the powers that be of the
sport should consider the possibility of restricting
the number of races and let them be at shorter
distances. For example, to take the practice
of my own country, the holding of 200 plus mile
young bird races across the Irish Sea in this
period of climate change is the height of folly
and in human terms it is reminiscent of the
folly of the Generals at Dunkirk. Yes, there
was much bravery but terrible slaughter on that
occasion of mans inhumanity to man. But what
about our behaviour towards our racing thoroughbreds?
Finally,
one swallow or even 10 do es not a summer make!