Nigel Legg from the GRPC and Guernsey Homing Society said the decision to restrict the release of racing pigeons within an eight-mile radius of the airport was disappointing, given the long-standing nature of the sport and its cultural significance to the local community.
‘The club strongly supports decision-making based on a clear and practical assessment of risk,’ he said.
‘A complete ban affecting all planned releases, without evidence of actual harm, raises concerns as to whether this action is proportionate to the risk.’
‘The goal is to continue the sport we know and love, in a way that upholds safety and respects all those involved. In that spirit, the club would welcome the opportunity to engage in a constructive and open discussion.’
Mr Legg said that establishing a small working group could provide a platform to explore potential solutions – ensuring safety while allowing the continuation of a well-loved island tradition.
‘The club is hopeful that a positive way forward can be found together, grounded in mutual understanding, respect, and a shared commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all who live in and care for Guernsey.’
He added that the GRPC had not been consulted in advance of the decision, nor given the opportunity to participate in discussions.
‘The club stands ready to cooperate with any reasonable measures that would allow the continuation of pigeon racing in a safe and managed way,’ he said.
‘In keeping with the island spirit of working together to solve problems, the club believes that such dialogue could have led to practical solutions without the need for a blanket restriction.’
Mr Legg asked that any evidence or risk assessments underpinning the decision taken by Guernsey Ports and the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation be shared publicly. ‘This would allow all stakeholders to better understand the rationale, support an open dialogue, and ensure that future discussions are informed by a common understanding of the facts.’
He added that there had been no known incidents or near misses involving racing pigeons and aircraft at Guernsey Airport.
‘This history of safe coexistence underscores the club’s position that pigeon racing can continue safely with appropriate coordination.’
STSB president learned of ban in the Press
The States’ Trading Supervisory Board was not consulted over the ban on pigeon racing and only became aware of it when the story broke in the Guernsey Press, the board president has confirmed.
STSB has overall responsibilities for Guernsey Ports, which includes the airport. However, president Peter Roffey said they would not normally be consulted regarding safety issues at the airport.
He added in retrospect, although members of STSB would be unlikely to ever intervene over safety measures taken by the airport, they probably should have been given notice of the change, given that the matter was likely to spark a degree of public interest.
‘That is not a criticism of those who made the decision as their speciality is in aeronautical safety matters rather than knowing what is likely to prove “political”,’ he said.
‘I have zero expertise in such matters but when I first heard about it my view was that it might be over the top – however that view has changed somewhat since hearing more of the background.’
Deputy Roffey said it was important to bear three things in mind.
‘Firstly, that it didn’t really impact local pigeon fanciers, secondly that it relates to an ongoing boom in mass pigeon releases in Guernsey, by UK pigeon fanciers, due to post-Brexit restrictions. Thirdly, and most importantly, that the airport authorities were more than willing to consider continuing to license such releases, but only with suitable aeronautical risk assessments, and safety protocols, which the organisers failed to provide.’
He added that the fact that a recent media release stated that the decision could be reviewed meant that a compromise could be possible.
‘But the first step has to be the organisers providing the proper risk assessments and safety assurances which Guernsey Ports has reasonably requested,’ he said.
‘Personally I hope a way forward can be reached, and believe it probably could be, but the safety of local aviation must take precedence over the desire of UK pigeon racers to bring their birds to Guernsey for release. So the ball is in the RPRA’s court.’
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