good day all.

This is a message to all but mainly the fanciers in the UK, apologies to all others.

Are there any laws that could prevent myself from keeping pigeons on my own property if the neighbours complain. I have found a new house to move to but a local told my wife that if i try to keep any birds, not just pigeons the neighbours will try to stop it. Any advice. Need this before making offer on house.

By Tommakowecki on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 09:29 am: Edit

Mealy - Just some advice - if the neighbors already have their backs up - NO laws will help you....They will likely make your life miserable even if the law says you are in your rights.
I would go from door to door and ask them myself. Then at least you will know that its not just one lousy neighbor - a block away. Good luck !

By Baetensd on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 09:43 am: Edit

mealy,

experiences over here with neighbour arguments is that mostly it ends by the fact the pigeon keeper has to give up birds cause there will always be something that they can complain about ... so indeed a good advice: go around and visit your 'new' direct neigbours and ask what they think about it and then you can explain that it won't bother them ....

greetz,
D

By Mealy on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 09:50 am: Edit

Baetensd.

Do you mean "Direct" as in those properties that border your property?

By Myron on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 01:57 pm: Edit

MEALY,

GET A LETTER SIGNED BY ONE OF THE TOWN FATHERS SAYING THAT THE BIRDS WERE USED IN ALL THE WARS FROM THE BEGINNING OF TIME TO SAVE LIVES & COULD POSSIBLY BE USED AGAIN & THEY WILL ASK FOR YOUR DONATION OF BIRDS.

By Baetensd on Friday, June 07, 2002 - 04:08 am: Edit

mealy,

yes that is what i meant ...
have seen a couple of good friends that had to break down their loft after years and years of arguing ....

By Tommakowecki on Friday, June 07, 2002 - 12:09 pm: Edit

This is quite sad - to happen in the counrty which gave us this great sport. I understand that their are new communities in Belgium where the bylaws - do not allow the keeping of pigeons. Sooner or later this will be a country/acreage sport.

By Mreyesign on Friday, June 07, 2002 - 01:03 pm: Edit

I have raced in several locations and never had problems with neighbours. If you listen to what they complain about, basically it's pure ignorance of what the sport is all about. I believe the way to go is to explain that the birds are housed in your loft ubder very hygenic conditions and the only time they get out is really early in the morning while every one is still asleep.

People think they are going to be flying around all day shitting on roofs and the washing etc and there have been people in the past who have permitted this. You have to remember that you have as much right to your hobby as they do to theirs, and I certainly would not go asking their permission to have them. That is all some people need to start complaining. By asking, you give them a position of power over you and they love and thrive on that shit.

Go to the local council and find out what the ordances require of you and go from there. When you start building your loft, they are bound to ask what you are building. Just be casual about it and say it's what I do and alway's have. Say things like. You won't even know they're here Mrs Brown unless you get up at 5am. and laugh it off. Explain that you have never had any complaints before etc lets see how we go and if they do something wrong or are a nuicense in some way and I'll see what I can do to fix it.

Do what you are required to do under the law and if they complain tell them (nicely) to go to the authorities. You are legal. They don't give a rat's about pigeons being used in wars. That sounds more like a demand or even a threat. Most of my neighbours got to like the birds and even became interested in them. You might also consider employing the biggest of their kids to scrape for you on the week end. This way he will go back and keep the other kids in line on race day.????? If you get my meaning.

Your handling of the neighbours is paramount in these circumstances. But never forget that you have legal rights also. Don't ask them for any consideration at all. Just do it. And when you win (or even if you don't) offer him a beer over the fence to celebrate with you. He will soon get interested and start asking questions. Good luck.

By Roly on Friday, June 07, 2002 - 02:13 pm: Edit

And remember that Brussels have the final say.. a lot of fanciers there matey.
As I emailed you, I have never asked anyone.. have once gone around and tOLD them .. but there you go, and that's another story. I doubt very much if any one really cares, unless it is the deeds when you buy a house. Some properties are build and sold on the understanding that there will be no live stock etc. ... but they will have their cats and dogs, and I don't think it is legally binding. It is - or would be - an infringement upon one rights. And legally you can build aloft without permission if it isn't over 8 feet high. So good luck mucker. See you soon.

By Tonyd (64.231.201.254 - 64.231.201.254) on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 02:19 pm: Edit

I heard through the rummer mill that Brampton has gotten a favourable bylaw passed just recently.
If true this would be excellent news for the sport in whole.
Can anyone confirm this?

By Mikev (142.140.89.210 - 142.140.89.210) on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 03:53 pm: Edit

Hi Tony

I know the CU was been working hard on this one. I haven't heard it has passed, but yes, it would be super if it has.

By whitewings (64.42.227.97 - 64.42.227.97) on Thursday, September 27, 2007 - 02:34 pm: Edit

move to the countryside its much nicer anyways

By Peterd (74.12.34.170 - 74.12.34.170) on Sunday, October 14, 2007 - 11:48 am: Edit

Heard today that the Brampton bylaw is to go to council this week for a vote. Keep your fingers crossed

By Peterd (74.12.22.212 - 74.12.22.212) on Sunday, December 23, 2007 - 02:08 pm: Edit

The new Brampton bylaw has passed.
basicly 25 ft from houses, 2 feet from property lines coops to building codes, keep 60 birds.Member of a pigeon club This came from a friend that works in bramptons animal control. Should be out in print soon, it passed Dec5 2007

By Mikev (99.242.127.183 - 99.242.127.183) on Sunday, December 23, 2007 - 09:05 pm: Edit

Thanks Peter. That was a long fight and a long time coming. Very good news for the Central Peel Club.

By repete (68.207.243.189 - 68.207.243.189) on Monday, December 24, 2007 - 10:02 am: Edit

Mike
I'll have to tape a video copy of our County Commissioners meeting when we had a similar ordinance change. It might prove helpful to any in the same predicament. Give me till after the 1st of the year to dig it out of my tape collection then copy it. Once I've got it ready to mail I'll let you know and you can forward me a mailing address.
Oh yeah, the finial result was great, for the pigeon fliers !