Racing pigeons sent out on training flights are returning home shot or not returning at all, according to the Federation of Pigeon Racing Clubs.

The federation received “various complaints” about losses from its members which “in some cases are on the high side” and were “abnormal”, federation general secretary Johann Farrugia said in a statement.

He pointed out that this was a very important period of the year for the members since “our birds are being prepared and trained for the racing season” which would soon start.

“We wish to highlight the fact that racing pigeons are protected by law and it is illegal to shoot these types of birds,” Mr Farrugia said.

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