ACCEPTANCE AND INSPECTION OF PIGEONS

FOR RACING COMPETITION

The Canberra Racing Pigeon Combine will appoint persons annually to act as Stewards for the inspection of any pigeons submitted for competition.

For the 2012 season, Wally Bak has been appointed as chief Steward with Troy Lloyd and Murray Woods as his assistants.

Pigeons must be referred to the above mentioned Steward by handlers before or during basketting, if they have any suspicion that the pigeon is not of sound health and physical well being to successfully participate in the race entered.

The Steward retains the right to refuse an entry on the grounds of poor health, physical impairment or neglect, if he/she considers its opportunities to return safely are diminished or if the pigeon is a health risk to other entries. Such refusals are to be documented by the Combine for action as necessary.

1. Poor pigeon health can be described as a pigeon having symptoms such as a general lethargy, breathing difficulties, nasal and eye discharge, visible canker in the mouth/neck, pigeon pox lesions or any other ailment to which pigeons can suffer from.

2. Physical impairment covers any condition which is likely to hinder the pigeon during the course of a race such as injuries, scarring, bruising, egg laying during basketting, or insufficient feathering (damaged or missing flight feathers).

3. Neglect can be described as the pigeon being presented in a thin or dirty condition, or carrying external parasites such as lice and/or mites.