I am writing on behalf of the Malta Federation of Racing Pigeon Clubs regarding thearticle ‘Sliema pigeon cull is the only option, says mayor’ (November 2).

In this regard, we want to make it clear that there is a huge difference between stray pigeons and racing pigeons.

The article portrays “pigeons” as a pest that should be eliminated. This could lead to misinformation to the general public in relation to our sport.

Racing pigeons are individually registered with the federation which maintains a log of the owner and the loft of every racing pigeon. All the pigeons are vaccinated in accordance with the requirements of the Maltese health regulations and in line with the recommendations of the International Federation of Racing Pigeons, of which the Maltese federation is a member.

Racing pigeons are kept in specially- designed lofts in order to have the best ventilation and hygiene system, to be able to perform in races.

Pigeons are maintained in top health condition both via their food intake and the veterinary visits. Racing pigeons are out of their lofts during their training flights. Otherwise they are kept inside and not left astray.

Shooting racing pigeons is a criminal offence as these birds are private property which cost a fortune to purchase and expensive to maintain. In this regard the federation clubs is totally disassociating itself from the stray pigeons referred to in the article.

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