Pigeon racers support Aurora regulation

Regional pigeon racers appreciate being able to race their "poor man's thoroughbreds" while also being good neighbors.

Members of the Fox Valley Combine and the American Racing Pigeon Union thanked Aurora aldermen Tuesday for placing strict, yet fair restrictions on pigeon owners in town.

A local ordinance pushed by Second Ward Alderwoman Juany Garza and Seventh Ward Alderwoman Scheketa Hart-Burns, and approved Tuesday provides some basic requirements for the location of pigeon lofts and requires that they will be kept in compliance with the building code, property maintenance code and that they be kept in a clean and orderly condition at all times. The new ordinance also limits the number of birds stored in the lofts.

"The neighbors of the people housing the pigeons have complained of the noise, smell and even fleas because there is usually more than 40 pigeons being housed," Garza said. "So we have proposed an amendment that animal control get involved to keep tabs on those housing pigeons to keep it sanitary and under the regulation 40."

Warrenville resident and Fox Valley Combine member Matt Wiesbrook thanked the council for reacting to resident concerns while allowing racers to keep their regulated pigeons.

"Everyone has been very willing to work with us and listen to us while trying not to smile or smirk when we tell them we race racing pigeons," he said. "But we support the ordinance that does not prohibit but certainly regulates the housing of racing pigeons."

He said some members of the Aurora-based combine have participated in the ultracompetitive" sport of racing pigeons for more than 60 years.

"I have had a few smiles, smirks and comments when I talk about this wonderful sport. These pigeons ae really a poor man's racehorse," Wiesbrook said. "It's an amazing feat when you take a little bird, put it in a truck, drive it out 500 miles, turn it loose the next morning and it races home."

Alderman at Large Bob O'Connor suggested the local pigeon racing organizations schedule a "fly over" during the city's July 4 celebration.

"Just don't fly over me," Mayor Tom Weisner added.