DOWNEY : Homing Pigeons Are Given a Home to Roost

Homing pigeons have found a home in Downey.

At the urging of pigeon enthusiasts, the City Council has decided to allow residents to keep up to 100 birds. Before the council action, residents were allowed no more than five birds.

The revised ordinance also requires bird owners to obtain a permit. Owners must live in single-family homes that are at least 100 feet from schools, hospitals and churches. And pigeon coops must be kept more than 35 feet from all residential buildings, including houses and garages.

Neighbors will have the opportunity to comment on permit applications.

Once bird owners receive a license, they are required to keep cages clean and control odors. Only birds approved and tagged by a reputable sporting pigeon association are allowed.

These pigeons, using internal compasses, have a keen ability to find their way home from great distances. The birds are bigger, stronger and smarter than common pigeons, handlers said.

“They are athletes of the sky,” said Philip Adsit, a Downey pigeon trainer.

The city was assured by owners that the birds do not leave excessive droppings during training exercises. They are fed 12 hours before they are allowed to fly, said Ron Yoshiki, assistant director of community development.

“These types of pigeons do not create the types of messes that (common pigeons) do,” Yoshiki said.

The issue first came before the city last year when code enforcement officers, responding to a complaint, discovered about 100 pigeons at a home. Yoshiki said the resident was allowed to keep his birds while the city reconsidered its pigeon policy.

The matter eventually went before the city’s Planning Commission, which recommended the ordinance change to the council.