Roland

The NCSPCA has halted a pigeon race scheduled to take place from Matjiesfontein, in the Western Cape, to Pretoria, it said. The race organisers filed an urgent application with the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday asking that a warning they received from the animal protection group be set aside. The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NCSPCA) opposed the application, and said the race was cruel and inhumane. "The distance is further compounded by the fact that the pigeons would have to fly across drought-stricken areas, especially in the Northern Cape," it said. The judge dismissed the organisers' application ordered that the race be cancelled. ................

Careful now, I had my post(s) removed for less. Had Mark and Walter stating that it shouldn't be discussed on a pigeon site. Strewth! Stated it isn't happening and that, like the B.O.P. problem, if ignored it will go away. It is but the thin end of the wedge and P.eta are and have been here some time gathering material to use, real or imaginary. Frabricated, enlarged up on or just plain twisted. So be best is to make sure one can breathe well when burying their' heads in the sand Sean.

I think he went as far as one could in regards B.O.P. One must remember Joe Public know not, and care less in the main regards percy and Sparrow Hawks etc. so fortunately it didn't come over as sour grapes and a whinge, but of an interest in pigeons. Far better I believe.

Bad enough to be a hit over here as well I guess lol. What a racket ... I know what I say lol

I think this is the only realistic way for most now. Mind many very good fanciers do it every year to no detriment.

Sorry Brian, haven't. Am knock it down any time now for a couple of reasons or so ... Mostly to appease the dagon and stop her blowing flames of fire lol. Seriously I have a false roof over lapping a wire roof that keeps them in like. Have air vents all the way round and a lot of wired front. The most important thing - I believe - is free, Fresh air. Now many hear and say aye to Air Circlulation, but haven't the foggiest of what it actually means I believe. Like smoke or a fag will show how the wind affects the movement of Air etc. Many think that a bit of a draft from the bottom fron that spread to the back to rise and go out of at the top at the back survices. Rubbish. It needs to circle and get dragged out. A good example is that it hits the back of the loft, sommersaults and leave by the top at the middle. My wire roof is mainly only in the middle and boarded at the outsides. Any and all air will be dragged up from any where below and taken out in the middle top. Chimney's do a fantastic job of this. Like wise a breeze / wind etc. the same as ALL the entering circles and is dragged out. Why am I building a new loft. Well being under trees and bushes damp air can also pass through. So it will be bick or Blocks etc. Going for my dinner lol Be back later as the dragon just sent a flae of fire around the door lol.

Kyleakin Lofts True. I mean if you have a 4 - 6 inch chimney, place a shield above the chimneys only to stop rain and / or vermin getting in. I don't mean all over. Personally I'd wire it off. Mind I have a complete full falso roof over mine with a gap of 4 inches all around the loft. No matter what way a wind or breeze flows it works a treat.

Put one or two chimney's upon the roof. Have a false roof about 4 inches above them. See the old piggery's and Chicken batteries etc. Works a treat and draws out any fould air leaing it crisp and dry and smelling good. Can have a sliding shutter under too to control the drawing is so desired.

You know, https://donations.pigeon.org/[/quote American Racing Pigeon Union PO Box 18465 Oklahoma City OK 73154-0465 Tel: 405-848-5801] Food for thought here, is this a cause for unity worldwide here. I mean is this, as I believe, going to be a fight over here too very soon? I think, personally, it shouldn't be a one man's fight, plus every pigeon fancier can / may be affected soon. Certainly food for thought I feel. Food for thought here. Should this be just a one man's fight against Peta? Should we take on board that this may well be happening here too. Is it as I see, a cause that we should all be involved with. We give generously every year to all sorts and sundry, yet so very often don't for our selves, not only in benefiting the fancier, but also protecting our sport. JMO.

I get scorned looks when I say I am also a great believer in Salt! Yes I use Soudo Creme too. But invariably I douse a cut, grace or gash with salt first of. I believe that after a few seconds the sting has gone and then it will dry and heal good, besides purifying it and salt is a great purative. If skin of breast is scraped of real bad, I will then spread Soudo Creme often after and just leave, but keep an eye on it. May then use soudo creme as if and when i feel it's needed. Pigeons are renouned hardy creatures, and surely a little moment of a sting / discomfort is far better than leaving alone etc..

Have to agree very much with Owen. Not saying that he would agree at all with my following post though so wish to make that clear first off. However I believe many - Like I used to,for broken legs. Tampax made great hammocks etc. I have even stuck them together at the very top of the leg with sellotape with great results - which took a pains takenly time soaking off in warm soapy water, with great results. But I have since leant that if badly bruised, one needs only to set in place, if needs be, and leave in a old tight or a own made hammock. The swelling holds the leg into place and they heal with hardly a blip. Think about it. Now of course we relate to humans etc. and what the quack will or won't do, and WE have to have our bones re - set sometimes ... but nowhere near always.

It certainly gives rise for ALL of us to tread careful. Peta kills animals by their thousands every year. Get rebuked by the courts etc. BUT still lie and cheat and make money ... a bit like the RSPB really I suppose.

Sep-17-2013 This year, at the Empire Classic, we had two suspicious visitors, one on shipping day, he claimed to be in the area with his son, photographing animals. He wanted to photograph the pigeons although there was no son with him. On race day a different individual, with a camera, claiming to be with a wildlife magazine, wanted to photograph our "pigeon loft". Strange that a non pigeon fancier would use the term pigeon "loft". Both were denied access. This is our eighth year running the Empire Classic and the first time we have had this kind of suspicious visitors. This brings us to the reason for this message, currently Rick Mardis is in a legal battle with Peta, the bases of the law suit is that "any organization that charges an entry fee is gambling", this does not only apply to One Lofts but ANY club or Combine Open race. Peta will not only contain their pursuit to American fanciers, they will go after Canadian fanciers as well. It is extremely important that Rick Mardis wins this lawsuit because it impacts on all of us, he is not just fighting for himself, he is fighting for ALL pigeon fanciers. There is a legal fund to help with Rick's legal fees, his fees will be substantial, he needs our help. I am organizing a fund for Rick Mardis here in Canada, we will call it the "Empire Classic and Friends" donation. Judy and I (Empire Classic) will kick it off with a sizable donation and we hope you will join us, any amount you can spare is fine, please send your cheques to us and we will include you in the "Empire Classic and Friends" donation. If you prefer to donate on your own that is also great, donations can be given through "PigeonAuctions.com". Regards...........jim and judy I say Obviously we won't be donating to this causes ... or will we? I don't know and that is a personal choice. But we should be well aware that PETA IS in this country collect any material, written or photoed to discredit our sport to further enhance their money making coffers.

Not really Knoxjn. I am at the National marking station and I / We wouldn't allow ANY fancier near his birds. That also means doubly if members of the club we fly in. Maybe I can't speak for all ... But if the case is that we couldn't swapped 'Markers' when a club members' birds go through, then it joplly well should be. Even if it means a fancier from another fed being watched and over seen by the markers such as I.

So a bird has a race ET ring on ... But hasn't been registered. However when the handler puts it on the clock there is a registered ET in his hand. Many alternatives to this COULD be used. Most granted if one is putting his own birds through OR in calhoots. Sadly it has happened. Will also happen again or another way. We must be ever vigulant in our clubs at the marking stations at ALL times I'm afraid. Better to be happy up front than begging after.

that is correct you have state your number one clock, the other one is a back up clock Thanks for the info and clarifacation.

Nice post mi5lyn

I know a club where the fanciers used to mark their' own birds. Not once but twice they were taken to the RPRA region. My mate was absolutely livid that he had to stand up and lie there. Was a small village and all related. He packed up flying. Know a fellow that asked the Clock setter round one Sat afternoon to FIX his clock. Long story short he had wire stuck in it wrapped around the minute hand. The fellow had devised two wires. They went in the top where the thimble went and he could alter the hand back wards by clicking around the hands ... the other forward. When threathen he was being reported to the RPRA he spouted so much dirt on other members that they let bye gones be bye gones. I resigned forth with from that club. The same fellow used to have water in his clocks each week where he'd put them in the freezer, and then thaw out and heat up to adjust times apparently. There is and are much and many more, but ...

I was told at my club that that is illegal. Had some that weren't ET rung and some that were. Best allowed was Rubber all, or send some as trainers. Mind this maybe different in the SHU than the RPRA. Personally I see no problem with it.

.Anything electric can be got at. It is why many nations are turning again for pigeons as messengers. Unless caught etc. I know of a case, some years back now, where a fellow noted when he used a remote control to open his garage door, the ET lost a minute. Also when he closed it it gained a minute. After a time the ET was improved. Slight of hand and relaxed marking station means loop holes if one is so incline. As the RPRA independent research proved a dead bird could win a race. A lad at a school renowned for being first if the space tracking had to lock the doors and guard the computer room - a while back now. The school dissolved their' interest for whatever reason and it was closed down. After a 13 year old lad was ordering driving licences, furniture, ... indeed you name it and for a tenner he got it delivery free of charge and all paid for. Like he said to me, 'If it has electricity, it can be hacked. So as quick as one loop hole is plugged another may well open. Nothing is infallible, or fool proof. Sadly cheating has always been a part of all sports etc. etc. and will continue to be so.

The reality. Send them. If a reddish Pink great. Means that the blood is being pumped round well by a good healthy heart and in great condition. It's called 'Eye Lining', or 'When they have got the make up on'!

Would be nice if a media concern or two would / could run with it eh!

The notice below was sent to AU members who subscribe to the AU’s e-update newsletter…. This is to advise AU members that the AU Executive Director, Karen Clifton, reached a settlement with the prosecutors in the Oklahoma City Proceedings and that agreement was accepted by the judge in Oklahoma County District Court on August 13. As a result, after a one-year period, the records in her case will be expunged and the case dismissed. The AU Board of Directors continues to believe that there was no wrongdoing on the part of the AU Executive Director or AU members at the 100th AU Convention. Rather, these outstanding individuals have been the subject of a direct attack by an animal rights activist organization whose sole goal is to destroy our sport using whatever means necessary. Although we face a well-financed and ruthless opponent, our sport will survive and prosper so long as we maintain and promote high ethical standards and practices. The sport's future is in our hands. By standing on core values of family, friendship and community service - values that have typified the AU membership for over a century - we will prevail in the defense and advancement of pigeon racing. Drew Lesofski

Let's hope so.... Think, like food shortages, they will rather distroy than reduce the prices. (Let alone feed the hungry) If the reduce it to be a good buy, they will worry that fanciers / buyers will stock up for the next 3 years or so, and then they'd never get shot of it. Think disposals win every time. Only time corn is competative I fear is if genuine competition, but then a 'Cartel' is quickly put into place.