NPO: Registration of Racing Pigeons and Holding Guidelines
As of January 1 or February 1, 2025, it will be mandatory to register the keeping of racing pigeons participating in competitions or exhibitions. This concerns a registration obligation that originates from European regulations aimed at preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The European regulation has been in place for some time, and until now, the Netherlands has adopted a wait-and-see attitude regarding the implementation of this registration obligation. In recent months, there has been contact with the Ministry of LNV within the KleindierNed framework about the registration obligation, which also affects other bird species. For example, there is already a similar registration requirement for the keeping of horses and breeding dogs (even if it's just one litter).
This is what we know so far:
- registration of the location where the pigeons are kept is a one-time requirement
- it is (currently) free of charge
- there is no need to report numbers of pigeons or ring numbers.
We have investigated whether the NPO can take on the registration obligation for its members. Unfortunately, this is not possible. Each member must register their own pigeons, and a BSN number and DigiD are required. We have been assured that the register is not public and, for example, cannot be accessed by municipalities.
The NPO will create a guide on how the registration works. Registration can then take place, for instance, at a club meeting one evening. Enthusiasts can prepare for registration by applying for a DigiD if they do not already have one. The registration obligation is an example of how we are increasingly dealing with European and national regulations in the sport. If an enthusiast participating in competitions or exhibitions does not register the location where their pigeons are kept, the NVWA can impose an administrative fine.
What we are also seeing more frequently is that enthusiasts are being checked by the NVWA, particularly after complaints from third parties, regarding matters such as housing, feeding, etc. For this purpose, the WOWD has established a so-called Holding Guideline for Racing Pigeons. The other organizations that are part of KleindierNed have also done this for the animal species they keep. The Holding Guideline is published on our website. The purpose of the Holding Guideline is to have clear rules that an enthusiast must meet at a minimum when keeping racing pigeons so that there is no misunderstanding during an inspection. During an inspection, an enthusiast can refer to this Holding Guideline.
The basis of this Holding Guideline is to create conditions that ensure the welfare and health of the racing pigeon. This assurance focuses on enabling natural behavior, maintaining good health, providing appropriate housing, and offering good nutrition.
We can live well with the rules established by the WOWD. For example, the following has been determined regarding housing:
Housing:
Racing pigeons can be housed in aviaries or closed boxes or a combination of both. These can have an exit opening through which the pigeons can enter and exit. The spaces must be large enough for the number of pigeons housed, with the guideline that there should be a sitting place for all pigeons. Nesting boxes are also used as sitting places by both the doffer and the duiver (a nesting box therefore counts as 2 sitting places when the pigeons are paired). Pigeons can handle low and high temperatures well. At high temperatures (≥ 28°C), the pigeons must have access to sufficient water. Pigeons regulate their body temperature at high temperatures through evaporation and therefore need to regularly replenish the water that is drawn from their bodies.
Regulations regarding the keeping of animals and inspections are simply part of life in this time. The NPO Board supports the focus on animal welfare.
Additionally, the NPO Board is committed to ensuring that our enthusiasts can comply with the regulations as easily as possible.