Racing pigeons are kept and competed by millions of enthusiasts worldwide, but welfare concerns include high mortality rates in races, housing conditions, and the welfare of birds lost or abandoned after racing careers.
Racing pigeon welfare involves both the acute welfare of race events and the chronic welfare of loft management. Race conditions expose birds to extreme exertion, weather, predation, and disorientation, with high mortality rates particularly in young birds. Lost birds face starvation and predation. Birds that return from races may be physiologically exhausted and need recovery time. Housing in lofts requires social grouping, appropriate nutrition, and veterinary care for common diseases including paramyxovirus. Retired racing pigeons need rehoming or sanctuary as continued loft maintenance is expensive. The welfare costs of racing are significant and vary widely with the commitment of individual fanciers.