PRNZ acknowledges the depth of expertise for pigeon care available within each member and affiliate club in which to provide suitably qualified personnel for the inspection of pigeons submitted for competition.
3.1 Acceptance of Pigeons For Competition.
All pigeons are accepted for competition on the grounds they are of sound health and physical fitness to successfully complete the journey set for the event.
3.2 Right of Refusal.
The right to refuse an entry without challenge is available to hampering stewards on the grounds of poor health, or physical impairment, or neglect, as to limit its opportunities to return safely; or on the grounds of a contagion hazard to other entries.
3.3 Health Examples.
Poor pigeon health can be described as symptoms such as general lethargy from obvious sickness, respiratory disease indicated by wheezing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge (i.e. Chlamydia infections), Pigeon Pox and the like.
3.4 Neglect.
Neglect can be described as the pigeon being presented in a soiled and generally dishevelled condition and/or harbouring external parasites.
3.5 Physical Impairment.
Physical impairment is intended to cover any condition, which is likely to diminish the chances of the pigeon to successfully complete the journey. Examples of impairment are:
" Injuries and scarring both old and new which are visible or felt when holding the pigeon.
" Insufficient feathering which is likely to inhibit the pigeon from flying, competitively.
" Insufficient primary wing flights is an impairment, especially a pigeon presented in the eight and one half stage of primary flight growth, irrespective whether number ten primary flight remains attached or not.
3.6 Presentation and Acceptance of Pigeons for Competition.
PRNZ rules that it is an offence for a member to present, and/or a steward to accept pigeons that are not fit for competition.