Pigeon racer wins bid to keep an aviary in his North End backyard

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This article was published 17/03/2011 (5364 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

An avid pigeon racer won his bid to keep an aviary in his North End backyard despite concerns from a handful of residents who claimed the birds carry diseases and poop in their yards.

In January, the city’s Board of Adjustment approved Robert Madlangsakay’s request to maintain an aviary for 30 thoroughbred racing pigeons on his Anderson Avenue property.

Four residents appealed the decision, including Joseph Narynski who said the birds leave excrement on area properties and create an odour so strong, some residents cannot garden.

Council’s appeal committee denied the appeal at a hearing this morning.

Madlangsakay said some people don’t understand what racing pigeons are all about, and that he’s relieved he will be able to keep his coop.

Winnipeg pigeon-racing organizer Bill Voulgaris said there needs to be more public education about the birds since they are misunderstood. Unlike street pigeons, Voulgaris said the birds are bred specifically for racing, and have an innate instinct to fly home. He said some have been clocked flying upwards of 100 kilometres per hour and are basically a different animal than the birds people see on Winnipeg streets.

“It’s like comparing a wild horse or a donkey to a thoroughbred race horse,” Voulgaris said.