Animal activists ‘buy and rehome three of King’s pigeons’
Animal activists have claimed they purchased and rehomed three pigeons from the King’s Sandringham estate as they urged him to cut ties with pigeon racing.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) said the retired birds were bought at a charity auction earlier this year with documents showing the transfer from the Royal Lofts in Norfolk.
In a letter to the King, the group said it took ownership of the birds to “spare further suffering” and had moved them to a bird sanctuary in Wales where they will receive “the royal treatment”.
The pigeons have been renamed Vera, Cliff, and Dover in honour of Dame Vera Lynn who backed a Peta campaign to end pigeon racing before she died in 2020.
Peta has now called on the King to end the Royal family’s association with pigeon racing.
Suggestions of ill-treatment dismissed
Elizabeth II was a pigeon fancier and president of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association. She was said to have maintained a flock of up to 200 birds at Sandringham.
Peta activists say pigeon racing can be a “fatal pastime” for the birds, particularly over long distances in which pigeons are left exhausted and disorientated.
But the Royal Pigeon Racing Association said it rejected the statement that pigeon racing is a cruel sport.
In a statement provided to the BBC, Chris Sutton, the chief executive, dismissed suggestions of ill-treatment and added the welfare of the birds was “paramount” when taking part in long-distance racing.
He said: “Throughout their entire lifetime, during competition or at rest, we provide a secure and suitable environment.
“As fanciers we ensure that the pigeons receive the necessary training and support prior to competition, which we conduct at the appropriate time in the safest weather conditions.”
In response, a Sandringham spokesman said its pigeon loft “adheres to all standards and regulations required”.