PIGEON RACING AND CORONAVIRUS
There are currently no restrictions in relation to Pigeon Racing and there are no known planned restrictions. However, this is a continually changing situation and if anything changes a statement will be made asap.
What may result in restrictions ?
The following statement it not based on any direct information received from the relevant authorities but based on our interpretation and assumption.
If future developments result in travel restrictions and restrictions relating to gatherings of small groups of people then we can assume there may be restrictions in place in relation to pigeon racing.
RPRA Updates re PIGEON RACING AND CORONAVIRUS -
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willie reynolds
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- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
RPRA Updates re PIGEON RACING AND CORONAVIRUS -
Last edited by willie reynolds on Wed Mar 25, 2020 10:33 am, edited 1 time in total.
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: RPRA re PIGEON RACING AND CORONAVIRUS -
UPDATE ON 17/03/2020 -
Since the Governments latest announcement and guidance released yesterday afternoon there have been conversations ongoing in relation to a proposed delay to the start of Racing. You will be aware that the Governments guidance included avoiding pubs, clubs and other community gatherings. Race marking etc are classed as a community gathering. I can now confirm that the decision has been taken to suspend all racing until 25th April 2020. While no one wants to see racing postponed I am sure everyone will realise and accept that this decision has been taken in the interest of all our members and the wider community. All liberations booked prior to the 25th April 2020 will be cancelled and the liberation sites informed of this decision. We hope that racing will commence on 25th April. However, this is very much dependent on developments, advice and guidance available at the time. In addition clubs and organisations should consider cancelling meetings, sales and any other gathering. Where possible all racing organisations will be informed of the above steps via email and also given further information in relation to the requirements to submit updated amended race programmes. Ian Evans CEO
Since the Governments latest announcement and guidance released yesterday afternoon there have been conversations ongoing in relation to a proposed delay to the start of Racing. You will be aware that the Governments guidance included avoiding pubs, clubs and other community gatherings. Race marking etc are classed as a community gathering. I can now confirm that the decision has been taken to suspend all racing until 25th April 2020. While no one wants to see racing postponed I am sure everyone will realise and accept that this decision has been taken in the interest of all our members and the wider community. All liberations booked prior to the 25th April 2020 will be cancelled and the liberation sites informed of this decision. We hope that racing will commence on 25th April. However, this is very much dependent on developments, advice and guidance available at the time. In addition clubs and organisations should consider cancelling meetings, sales and any other gathering. Where possible all racing organisations will be informed of the above steps via email and also given further information in relation to the requirements to submit updated amended race programmes. Ian Evans CEO
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: RPRA re PIGEON RACING AND CORONAVIRUS -
URDATE 19/03/2020 -
Following Government coronavirus advice the RPRA offices will be closed to visitors from Monday 23rd March 2020 and a policy of homeworking will be implemented until further notice. Therefore, the way you contact the RPRA will change. A list of contact number and emails are listed below. We ask all members to use email as the preferred option of communication whenever possible, and to telephone as a means of contact only if absolutely necessary. In any case, please DO NOT ring these numbers outside of our normal office hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. The online strays reporting system and transfers system will remain available 24 hours a day 365 days a year via the RPRA website. Task Direct Line Email Strays 01452 858249 (9am to 1pm only) 01452 858247 (9am to 5pm) strays@rpra.org General Enquiries 01452 858246 karenjames@rpra.org Inland Racing 01452 858245 donnarussell@rpra.org Continental Racing 01452 858244 continentalracing@rpra.org Please note this contact number will not be available until 30th March Distances and Loft Locations 01452 858248 distances@rpra.org (automated only) or loftlocations@rpra.org Accounts 01452 858241 lynazhang@rpra.org One Loft 01452 858241 rpraoneloft@rpra.org Ring Orders 01452 858243 jonathanadams@rpra.org CEO 01452 858240 ianevans@rpra.org CEO’s secretary 01452 858242 dorothyhadley@rpra.org Ian Evans CEO
Following Government coronavirus advice the RPRA offices will be closed to visitors from Monday 23rd March 2020 and a policy of homeworking will be implemented until further notice. Therefore, the way you contact the RPRA will change. A list of contact number and emails are listed below. We ask all members to use email as the preferred option of communication whenever possible, and to telephone as a means of contact only if absolutely necessary. In any case, please DO NOT ring these numbers outside of our normal office hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. The online strays reporting system and transfers system will remain available 24 hours a day 365 days a year via the RPRA website. Task Direct Line Email Strays 01452 858249 (9am to 1pm only) 01452 858247 (9am to 5pm) strays@rpra.org General Enquiries 01452 858246 karenjames@rpra.org Inland Racing 01452 858245 donnarussell@rpra.org Continental Racing 01452 858244 continentalracing@rpra.org Please note this contact number will not be available until 30th March Distances and Loft Locations 01452 858248 distances@rpra.org (automated only) or loftlocations@rpra.org Accounts 01452 858241 lynazhang@rpra.org One Loft 01452 858241 rpraoneloft@rpra.org Ring Orders 01452 858243 jonathanadams@rpra.org CEO 01452 858240 ianevans@rpra.org CEO’s secretary 01452 858242 dorothyhadley@rpra.org Ian Evans CEO
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: RPRA re PIGEON RACING AND CORONAVIRUS -
UPDATE 25/03/2020
The following content has been agreed by members of the Confederation including RPRA, NEHU, SHU, WHU but excluding the IHU.
As of 23rd March the UK Government brought in further restrictions to limit the spread and impact of the coronavirus. As a direct result pigeon racing will be suspended until at least 23rd May 2020.
The RPRA and other Unions will continue to monitor the situation, and updates will be published when available.
Furthermore, the following applies to all members: training of pigeons is classed as non-essential travel and is therefore strictly prohibited.
Care of your birdsWe understand that many members will be very worried about how to care for their pigeons, especially if you keep them at a location away from home.
Some key points to consider: Attending to the basic needs of your pigeons should be considered as ‘essential’, such travel is allowed – but you still need to comply with all of the latest government guidance.
Further advice -be prepared: Planning ahead is essential, and you should have alternative arrangements ready in case you are unable to attend to your pigeons for any reason.
The most important scenario to plan for is how your pigeons will be cared for if you become ill – ensure you have arrangements with your friends, family or fellow fanciers to be able to look after your pigeons in your absence.
Q&A
I am self-isolating, but I feel OK. Can I go to my pigeons as normal?If you develop any kind of symptoms such as a raised temperature or persistent cough, current government guidance is that you should self-isolate for a minimum of seven days. Any pigeons kept away from home will have to be looked after by someone else for your period of self-isolation. Try to ensure that you always have enough food to last a fortnight at the loft.
I have been diagnosed with Covid-19. What should I do ?If you have been diagnosed with Covid-19, the government guidance is that you must not leave your house, unless you are being moved to a hospital. So, someone else will need to look after your pigeons until you have recovered. You must not be tempted to continue looking after your pigeons until after you have recovered.
Delivery of One Loft birds: The latest Government restrictions highlighted that all non-essential travel should be avoided. Therefore entrants to the RPRA One Loft should be delivered using a courier. Ian Evans CEO
The following content has been agreed by members of the Confederation including RPRA, NEHU, SHU, WHU but excluding the IHU.
As of 23rd March the UK Government brought in further restrictions to limit the spread and impact of the coronavirus. As a direct result pigeon racing will be suspended until at least 23rd May 2020.
The RPRA and other Unions will continue to monitor the situation, and updates will be published when available.
Furthermore, the following applies to all members: training of pigeons is classed as non-essential travel and is therefore strictly prohibited.
Care of your birdsWe understand that many members will be very worried about how to care for their pigeons, especially if you keep them at a location away from home.
Some key points to consider: Attending to the basic needs of your pigeons should be considered as ‘essential’, such travel is allowed – but you still need to comply with all of the latest government guidance.
Further advice -be prepared: Planning ahead is essential, and you should have alternative arrangements ready in case you are unable to attend to your pigeons for any reason.
The most important scenario to plan for is how your pigeons will be cared for if you become ill – ensure you have arrangements with your friends, family or fellow fanciers to be able to look after your pigeons in your absence.
Q&A
I am self-isolating, but I feel OK. Can I go to my pigeons as normal?If you develop any kind of symptoms such as a raised temperature or persistent cough, current government guidance is that you should self-isolate for a minimum of seven days. Any pigeons kept away from home will have to be looked after by someone else for your period of self-isolation. Try to ensure that you always have enough food to last a fortnight at the loft.
I have been diagnosed with Covid-19. What should I do ?If you have been diagnosed with Covid-19, the government guidance is that you must not leave your house, unless you are being moved to a hospital. So, someone else will need to look after your pigeons until you have recovered. You must not be tempted to continue looking after your pigeons until after you have recovered.
Delivery of One Loft birds: The latest Government restrictions highlighted that all non-essential travel should be avoided. Therefore entrants to the RPRA One Loft should be delivered using a courier. Ian Evans CEO
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: RPRA Updates re PIGEON RACING AND CORONAVIRUS -
STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENTS
4 April 2020 re RPRA and Covid-19
Dear Members,
We hope all our members are safe and well, as we battle to overcome COVID-19. We find ourselves in a situation which we have not come across since World War 2. As a sport we have faced many challenges in recent times, i.e. PMV outbreak and Foot and Mouth, but not on the scale we face with COVID-19, which as everyone is aware is on a global scale, with World Health Organisation status of a Pandemic.
Our main priority as an organisation is to protect our vulnerable members, as well as complying with government guidelines and legislation. As a direct result of this, the RPRA has suspended all racing until at least 23rd May 2020. This is a huge disappointment to us all, as it has come at a time when the racing season should be set to go. The guidance around non-essential travel is also stopping fanciers training their pigeons – again something that is a disappointment, but again unavoidable as we all observe the guidance to protect the vulnerable. We say it’s a disappointment to us all, as we as President and Vice Presidents also wish to race our pigeons, so we do know how the fancy is feeling at present.
We would like the fancy to know that these are unprecedented times, and it is very hard to predict what the future is going to be. The team are working very hard behind the scenes to put the interests of the members first. If and when racing is allowed, we want to be in a position to hit the ground running as to not delay racing any more than is needed, but this takes a lot of hard work, and I would like to assure you that Ian Evans (CEO) and his staff – in the face of very difficult times – are working tirelessly to keep the sport moving. Plans for guidance on marking and social gatherings are being drawn up, but this is a very difficult job due to the uncertainty of what will happen with government guidance and at what timescale.
These are very trying times for all, but we wish for our members to know we have your interests at the forefront of our minds and will work with government advice and guidelines to ensure racing in 2020 if at all possible. Pigeon fanciers throughout the world are facing the same challenges, and we have to stick together as we face uncertainties for sure. We will keep the membership up to date with where we are in terms of restrictions, but we ask that you are patient at this time. Our main priority as an organisation and as a nation is to protect our vulnerable from this dreaded virus. We are in this together, and we ask all our members to stay safe and observe government advice.
4 April 2020 re RPRA and Covid-19
Dear Members,
We hope all our members are safe and well, as we battle to overcome COVID-19. We find ourselves in a situation which we have not come across since World War 2. As a sport we have faced many challenges in recent times, i.e. PMV outbreak and Foot and Mouth, but not on the scale we face with COVID-19, which as everyone is aware is on a global scale, with World Health Organisation status of a Pandemic.
Our main priority as an organisation is to protect our vulnerable members, as well as complying with government guidelines and legislation. As a direct result of this, the RPRA has suspended all racing until at least 23rd May 2020. This is a huge disappointment to us all, as it has come at a time when the racing season should be set to go. The guidance around non-essential travel is also stopping fanciers training their pigeons – again something that is a disappointment, but again unavoidable as we all observe the guidance to protect the vulnerable. We say it’s a disappointment to us all, as we as President and Vice Presidents also wish to race our pigeons, so we do know how the fancy is feeling at present.
We would like the fancy to know that these are unprecedented times, and it is very hard to predict what the future is going to be. The team are working very hard behind the scenes to put the interests of the members first. If and when racing is allowed, we want to be in a position to hit the ground running as to not delay racing any more than is needed, but this takes a lot of hard work, and I would like to assure you that Ian Evans (CEO) and his staff – in the face of very difficult times – are working tirelessly to keep the sport moving. Plans for guidance on marking and social gatherings are being drawn up, but this is a very difficult job due to the uncertainty of what will happen with government guidance and at what timescale.
These are very trying times for all, but we wish for our members to know we have your interests at the forefront of our minds and will work with government advice and guidelines to ensure racing in 2020 if at all possible. Pigeon fanciers throughout the world are facing the same challenges, and we have to stick together as we face uncertainties for sure. We will keep the membership up to date with where we are in terms of restrictions, but we ask that you are patient at this time. Our main priority as an organisation and as a nation is to protect our vulnerable from this dreaded virus. We are in this together, and we ask all our members to stay safe and observe government advice.
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: RPRA Updates re PIGEON RACING AND CORONAVIRUS -
PIGEON RACING AND CORONAVIRUS:
UPDATED 13 April 2020
As of 23rd March the UK Government brought in further restrictions to limit the spread and impact of the coronavirus. As a direct result pigeon racing will be suspended until at least 23rd May 2020.
The RPRA and other unions will continue to monitor the situation, and updates will be published when available.
Furthermore, while non-essential travel is restricted, the following applies to all members: training of pigeons is classed as non-essential travel and is therefore strictly prohibited.
Care of your birds
We understand that many members will be very worried about how to care for their pigeons, especially if you keep them at a location away from home.
Some key points to consider: Attending to the basic needs of your pigeons should be considered as ‘essential’, such travel is allowed – but you still need to comply with all of the latest government guidance.
Further advice -be prepared: Planning ahead is essential, and you should have alternative arrangements ready in case you are unable to attend to your pigeons for any reason.
The most important scenario to plan for is how your pigeons will be cared for if you become ill – ensure you have arrangements with your friends, family or fellow fanciers to be able to look after your pigeons in your absence.
Q&A
I am self-isolating, but I feel OK. Can I go to my pigeons as normal?
If you develop any kind of symptoms such as a raised temperature or persistent cough, current government guidance is that you should self-isolate for a minimum of seven days. Any pigeons kept away from home will have to be looked after by someone else for your period of self-isolation. Try to ensure that you always have enough food to last a fortnight at the loft.
I have been diagnosed with Covid-19. What should I do ?
If you have been diagnosed with Covid-19, the government guidance is that you must not leave your house, unless you are being moved to a hospital. So, someone else will need to look after your pigeons until you have recovered. You must not be tempted to continue looking after your pigeons until after you have recovered.
Training pigeons during coronavirus restrictions
As you will appreciate the decision taken to prohibit ALL training was taken in line with Government restrictions relating to non-essential travel and was therefore in reality a decision of Government. However, it seems that some members are continuing to train their pigeons while carrying out essential journeys, such as travelling to work.
To provide clarity in relation to training, we wish to confirm that ALL training is prohibited – even if carried out via an essential journey.
Members should consider that training – whether as part of an essential journey or not – will result in pigeons straying and/or becoming injured. This may lead to pigeons falling into the care of non-fanciers who are unable to care for the bird. This WILL result in a journey that is totally unavoidable, whether it is the owner collecting the bird, or the non-fancier delivering the bird to a vet or a nearby fancier, thereby increasing the risk of spreading the virus and placing lives at risk.
Anyone training during this period will be dealt with under RPRA rules relating to dishonourable conduct.
Delivery of One Loft birds
The latest Government restrictions highlighted that all non-essential travel should be avoided. Therefore entrants to the RPRA One Loft must be delivered using a courier.
Ian Evans
CEO
UPDATED 13 April 2020
As of 23rd March the UK Government brought in further restrictions to limit the spread and impact of the coronavirus. As a direct result pigeon racing will be suspended until at least 23rd May 2020.
The RPRA and other unions will continue to monitor the situation, and updates will be published when available.
Furthermore, while non-essential travel is restricted, the following applies to all members: training of pigeons is classed as non-essential travel and is therefore strictly prohibited.
Care of your birds
We understand that many members will be very worried about how to care for their pigeons, especially if you keep them at a location away from home.
Some key points to consider: Attending to the basic needs of your pigeons should be considered as ‘essential’, such travel is allowed – but you still need to comply with all of the latest government guidance.
Further advice -be prepared: Planning ahead is essential, and you should have alternative arrangements ready in case you are unable to attend to your pigeons for any reason.
The most important scenario to plan for is how your pigeons will be cared for if you become ill – ensure you have arrangements with your friends, family or fellow fanciers to be able to look after your pigeons in your absence.
Q&A
I am self-isolating, but I feel OK. Can I go to my pigeons as normal?
If you develop any kind of symptoms such as a raised temperature or persistent cough, current government guidance is that you should self-isolate for a minimum of seven days. Any pigeons kept away from home will have to be looked after by someone else for your period of self-isolation. Try to ensure that you always have enough food to last a fortnight at the loft.
I have been diagnosed with Covid-19. What should I do ?
If you have been diagnosed with Covid-19, the government guidance is that you must not leave your house, unless you are being moved to a hospital. So, someone else will need to look after your pigeons until you have recovered. You must not be tempted to continue looking after your pigeons until after you have recovered.
Training pigeons during coronavirus restrictions
As you will appreciate the decision taken to prohibit ALL training was taken in line with Government restrictions relating to non-essential travel and was therefore in reality a decision of Government. However, it seems that some members are continuing to train their pigeons while carrying out essential journeys, such as travelling to work.
To provide clarity in relation to training, we wish to confirm that ALL training is prohibited – even if carried out via an essential journey.
Members should consider that training – whether as part of an essential journey or not – will result in pigeons straying and/or becoming injured. This may lead to pigeons falling into the care of non-fanciers who are unable to care for the bird. This WILL result in a journey that is totally unavoidable, whether it is the owner collecting the bird, or the non-fancier delivering the bird to a vet or a nearby fancier, thereby increasing the risk of spreading the virus and placing lives at risk.
Anyone training during this period will be dealt with under RPRA rules relating to dishonourable conduct.
Delivery of One Loft birds
The latest Government restrictions highlighted that all non-essential travel should be avoided. Therefore entrants to the RPRA One Loft must be delivered using a courier.
Ian Evans
CEO