The Queen attracted the anger of Animal rights activists over the racing pigeons she keeps at her loft in Sandringham estate. The news came out that eight racing pigeons sent to the South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race (SAMDPR) died. The birds were taken from Sandringham to South Africa.

None of the birds survived the time in quarantine once they arrived. The quarantine period, which groups the birds together for 30 days, puts them at risk of disease and infection, according to PETA. An investigation found that only five of 42 pigeons sent over the past six years to SAMDPR have survived. Of 373 pigeons sent this year, 44 survived.

PETA exposes the cruel pigeon racing industry in this video:

PETA Director Elisa Allen said, “Exploiting the extraordinary homing abilities of pigeons in this cruel manner so as to win a prize purse is extraordinarily callous. PETA most respectfully urges the Queen to remove the royal loft birds from these deadly races and turn her Sandringham pigeon breeding mill into a sanctuary.”

South Africa’s National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it saw “consistently alarming statistics” about the pigeon races. Arno De Klerk, manager of special projects said that 80% of birds disappeared during the 2020 season. “This race takes place in one of the hottest months of the year. One can only imagine the suffering these birds endure,” he said.

Read more about pigeons in One Green Planet, check out these articles:

• Pigeons Wearing Cowboys Hats Glued to Their Heads Found and Rescued in Las Vegas
• Rescued Special Needs Puppy and Flightless Pigeon are Best Buds!
• Petition: End Cruel Use of Roller Pigeons as Bowling Balls at Ontario’s Harrow Fair!
• Pigeons in Germany at Risk of Starving to Death Due of Lack of Food Scraps on Streets

Sign this petition to ask the Queen to stop supporting pigeon racing!

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