Pigeon racing may soon be banned

Bird strike concerns prompt push to curb the sport near airports.

Raising pigeons for sport racing may soon be outlawed amid growing concerns over aviation safety.

The Senate Committee on Public Services convened on July 2 to discuss the Magna Carta for Commuters, where lawmakers also raised alarm over bird strikes as migration season nears.

The committee cited collisions between birds and aircraft as a serious safety concern, noting that 953 incidents were recorded in 2025. Such encounters can cause damage ranging from dents and cracks to engine failure.

The 2024 Jeju Air Flight crash in South Korea was believed to have been caused by a bird collision, resulting in engine failure and killing all 175 passengers and four of the six cabin crew.

Lawmakers also raised concerns over the proximity of many Philippine airports to wildlife sanctuaries that serve as migratory sites for birds. Several airports also lie along the East-Australasian Flyway, one of the world’s busiest migratory routes for birds.

As for pigeon racing, senators also called on groups to coordinate with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to minimize the risk of bird strikes.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government already vowed to release a memorandum prohibiting hazardous activities within airport vicinities, including pigeon racing.

Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia backed the proposal, urging authorities to ban pigeon racing entirely.

“Pigeons are intelligent, loyal birds who form strong bonds and can navigate incredible distances, yet pigeon racing exploits these abilities at the expense of their welfare,” the group said in a statement on July 2.

PETA Asia also backed claims that banning pigeon racing would reduce the risk of bird strikes and protect public safety.

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