RPRA Weather Notice June 2026

[willie reynolds]

24 June 2026
As we enter a period of exceptionally warm weather, I would like to remind all members, clubs and race officials that the welfare of our pigeons must remain our foremost consideration.

Heat stress can affect birds both during transportation and while racing, particularly when elevated temperatures are combined with high humidity, poor air movement, or extended periods in baskets.

Accordingly, I encourage all race organisers and officials to exercise heightened caution whenever temperatures are forecast to approach or exceed 30°C, or where a combination of heat, humidity and other environmental factors may present a welfare risk.

Key considerations should include:

Careful assessment of weather conditions at the liberation site and throughout the line of flight.
Early morning liberations, wherever practical, to allow birds to fly in the coolest part of the day.
Close attention to transport conditions, including adequate ventilation and unrestricted access to water.
Appropriate basket densities to minimise heat build-up during transportation and holding.
Consideration of shortening, postponing or cancelling races where conditions present an unacceptable welfare risk.
Recognition that young birds and pigeons undertaking more demanding races may be particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
While racing pigeons are remarkable athletes capable of performing in a wide range of conditions, no race result is more important than the health and welfare of the birds entrusted to our care.

I therefore ask all members, officials and convoying teams to place welfare at the centre of every decision made during periods of high temperature. No single weather factor should be considered in isolation and, where there is genuine doubt regarding the suitability of conditions, caution should prevail. The reputation of our sport depends not only on successful competition, but also on demonstrating the highest standards of welfare and responsibility.

Please remember to inform our Racing Support team of any alterations to your race programme, including changes to liberation times, race points, postponements or cancellations. Timely communication will help ensure that members remain informed and that appropriate support can be provided where required.

By working together and exercising sound judgement, we can continue to promote responsible racing while protecting the welfare of our pigeons and maintaining public confidence in our sport.

Chris Sutton
CEO



ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR RACES WITH RELEASE ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, 27 & 28.06.2026

Isnt it great to see the governing bodies of our sport issueing statements to guide their members on how to properly care for our racing pigeons. Especially in hot temperatures fanciers need guidance. Well done to the R.P.R.A. who issued a statement which I have already posted and the KBDB and the other governing bodies in Europe who have also issued guidlines and advice to their member. Pigeon racing is after all about pigeons but for some money and power is their sole priority . I just posted the very good advice by the R.P.R.A and here is the statment from the KGDB in Belgium who have just issued these guidelines also .
In view of the predicted high temperatures for the weekend of June 27 and 28, 2026, the KBDB has decided to impose additional measures for all races with releases on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2026, to protect the welfare of the pigeons during transport.
These measures are in addition to the measures already provided for and published on June 22, 2026, and remain fully applicable.
The following additional measures apply:
• For the Grand Middle Distance and Short Middle Distance, the maximum number of pigeons per basket is limited to 18 pigeons.
• For sprint races, the maximum number of pigeons per basket is limited to 20 pigeons. • For aluminum baskets, the maximum permitted number of pigeons per basket is also reduced by 20% compared to the usual capacity.
• To partially offset the additional costs resulting from these measures, the basketing associations may charge a surcharge of up to 10% on the entry fee for costs.
We count on the cooperation of all involved associations, transporters, and fanciers to strictly adhere to these measures in the interest of the welfare of our pigeons. COMMUNIQUE – MESURES COMPLEMENTAIRES POUR LES CONCOURS AVEC LACHERS LE SAMEDI et DIMANCHE 27 ET 28.06.2026
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR RACES WITH RELEASE ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, 27 & 28.06.2026