Racing pigeons face significant welfare challenges during and after races. High mortality, exposure, and disorientation affect many birds in organised pigeon racing.
Racing pigeon welfare involves genuine risks that are often normalised within the sport. Race mortality from exhaustion, weather, and predation affects significant numbers of birds. Lost pigeons face starvation and exposure. Young birds raced in autumn may not have sufficient navigation ability to return. Disease spreads easily in densely housed lofts. Racing pigeons that are injured, lost, or exhausted may be abandoned rather than receiving veterinary care. Welfare standards in pigeon racing are largely self-regulated with limited external oversight.