Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government has issued no specific guidance regarding the racing of pigeons during the Covid-19 outbreak. We have issued advice for animal owners to ensure that the basic welfare needs of kept animals can be met under the current restrictions. Correspondence with Scottish pigeon racing organisations have advised that, at the current time, it is best that racing pigeons are exercised from their home loft. In addition, permission was offered for birds belonging to a small number of racers to be transported, under physical distancing rules and in disinfected crates, to a distance of less than 5 miles and released for a slightly longer flight.

The Scottish Government has issued no specific approval to allow for the resumption of pigeon racing. The Public Health (Coronavirus) (Scotland) 2020 Regulations underpin physical distancing measures, supported by guidance from the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland. It is critical that organisations and individuals consider application of both guidance and the regulations in respect of their own specific circumstances.

As we have entered phase one of the Scottish Government’s phased relaxation of lockdown measures, there is now no limit to the number of times people can go outside for recreation or exercise. Additionally, whilst outdoors, people are permitted to exercise or participate in recreation with members of one other household, provided physical distancing and good hygiene are carefully maintained. In doing so they should remain within their local area which is broadly defined as within five miles of their home. Although transmission of the virus has reduced, we must not undermine the progress that has been made, as the restrictions in place remain the primary method of slowing spread of the virus, protecting the capacity of our NHS and saving lives.