why do i bother

[Bad Trapper]

I have got to the stage now with strays is that I look up the STD code for the area which is on the wing stamp or ring and a mate of mine who is in the transport industry puts them up near that location like everyone who has posted on this subject I have had the 5 questions leading up to 'do you want to keep it' and the countless excuses.

By doing this it cuts out stress and I don't have to put up with bad manners, excuses, rudeness and the all out lies. Over the years I think the ratio is about for every 4 I reported only 1 wanted the bird back.

[Guest Owen]

I think that you are all far too soft. I know that it can be difficult to make ends meet. Especially right now. But I can not see how you can justify allowing people to unload their problems onto others without discussion, bye your leave or beg your pardon.

To me it is the worst sort of bad manners and disregard for the feelings and position of the others. Complete strangers most of the time.

We are privileged to be able to keep and race our birds and surely we have no right to abuse them. Because, that is what happens when we go along this path. Already, the attitude to strays is, in my opinion, cavalier to say the least. Thousands are lost each weekend, week after week and year in and year out. I think it is about time we started to take control of this sort of thing before someone from outside the sport does it for us. And a good start would be, to stop the people who refuse to send for their property, from competing in the Sport until they can toe the line. Cruelty and bad manners are not always connected to a person's financial situation and often the people with the least are the most caring.

On a personal basis, both my wife and I work. We are both over 70 and have no plans to pack up. I enjoy my pigeons but I only race 12 or less. I don't loose many and I will always send for any that stray. I have said this, because I would not like anyone to think of me as a scrounger. And there is no need at all for anyone else to be either.      

[Roland]

A good and very honest post Owen. One where I've no doubt most of us agree with your sentiments entirely. Yes in an ideal world this would be great as it would mostly happen, But sadly it's not an Ideal world..

Now I would say - and I have been glad to if any help or such best I could on many occassions to help.

However the one of the biggest problem as I see it is Pride. Not many can be up front and say it they can't afford it. then when they do, it is regarded as bleat hard luck stories. And viewe as 'Just another uncaring excuse via a fancier that doesn't care or is even bothered. I beieve that there is a far far larger picture here. 'Afford to keep  ... but can't afford to lose' does have a very pertinent role I fear.

Now if we say enforce, bann them, make them pay up etc. and another third pack up, that would mean in real terms another 50% added to our overall costa at least.... Which would only enhance the dire straits we face now in regards strays even further in my oppinion.

That is why I personally believe - never been told or had it infered - the reason why a Blind eye is being turned.

So now the two things happening now are 'Feed and waterthem, then send them up the road'. Then the adage 'No good to me, no good to them' best lost for good. They then say 'no one wants them back any way' etc. Niether is good if one wants their bird back. Mind fed and water and re released from a different lib often means they clear and home, so that is by far the best alternative of the two.

So a Fellow id to me say like he was to PJ. Then I'm not best pleased, So up the road it would have to go. Better than a bin.