Racing pigeons compete in organized events across the world, but the sport has significant welfare concerns including high mortality rates and genetic selection for extreme performance.
The high mortality rates inherent in pigeon racing represent substantial welfare costs. Birds lost to weather events, predation, or exhaustion experience suffering. Selective breeding for extreme homing performance may compromise other aspects of bird health. Doping of racing pigeons with drugs to enhance performance is documented and causes harm. Culling of non-performing pigeons raises direct welfare concerns. Lost pigeons in urban areas often struggle to find food, dying slowly.