RACING AND CARRIER PIGEONS
Act 57 of 1974
AN ACT relating to the sport of racing and carrier pigeons; authorizing the flying of such pigeons; and providing for regulation thereof by cities, villages, townships, and counties.
History: 1974, Act 57, Imd. Eff. Apr. 1, 1974
The People of the State of Michigan enact:
433.351 Definitions.
Sec. 1.
As used in this act:
(1) "Carrier pigeon" means homing and racing pigeons which have the name of the owner stamped upon the wing or tail, or are banded upon the leg with the name or initials of the owner or with an identification or registration number stamped on the band.
(2) "Racing pigeon" means a pigeon registered with a national pigeon racing organization and used as a game competitive bird. The pigeons are not to be identified or classified as fowl when raised and used in the sport and hobby of racing carrier pigeons.
(3) "Department" means the health department of any city, village, township, or county and shall include the head of such department or any employee acting in his stead.
(4) "Loft" means any structure in which carrier pigeons are housed.
History: 1974, Act 57, Imd. Eff. Apr. 1, 1974
433.352 Carrier pigeon permit; issuance; requirements.
Sec. 2.
(1) The department shall issue a carrier pigeon permit to the owner of carrier pigeons who complies with the following requirements:
(a) The loft is found on inspection to be in compliance with regulations prescribed by the department and is maintained in a clean, orderly condition and kept in good repair.
(b) The construction of a loft complies with the building code regulations of the city, village, township, or county in which it is erected.
(2) The requirements of zoning regulations relating to restrictions on the location of stables and poultry enclosures shall not apply to a loft for which a permit has been issued.
History: 1974, Act 57, Imd. Eff. Apr. 1, 1974
433.353 Loft of carrier or racing pigeons; erection and maintenance.
Sec. 3.
A person to whom the department has issued a carrier pigeon permit may erect and maintain a loft of carrier or racing pigeons in the city, village, township, or county.
History: 1974, Act 57, Imd. Eff. Apr. 1, 1974
433.354 Authorization to fly pigeons for necessary exercise and training.
Sec. 4.
An owner of carrier pigeons, to whom the department has issued a carrier pigeon permit, or person acting for him, shall be allowed to fly the pigeons for necessary exercise and training.
History: 1974, Act 57, Imd. Eff. Apr. 1, 1974
433.355 Restricting training and conditioning programs.
Sec. 5.
The owner is not required to restrict his training and conditioning program to obtain successful results in competition unless duly proven to be in violation of a local health or nuisance ordinance.
History: 1974, Act 57, Imd. Eff. Apr. 1, 1974
Rendered 8/15/2025 12:10 PM
Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 5 of 2025
Courtesy of legislature.mi.gov