Sign the petition: recognize pigeon racing as intangible cultural heritage

You can join the KBDB petition until September 7, 2026 , to sign the petition to have pigeon racing in Flanders recognized as intangible cultural heritage. Better Life for Pets & People (BLPP) fully supports this call, and we ask you to do the same.

What is it about?

The KBDB (Royal Belgian Pigeon Fanciers' Association) wants pigeon racing to be given an official place on the Flanders Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Not because it is "just a hobby," but because it is a vibrant tradition that has connected people, passed on knowledge, and is part of our identity for generations.

Your support counts, even if you're not a pigeon fancier

Every signature shows that this sport is carried by a broad community, not only by the fanciers themselves. The more people sign, the stronger the case. So even without pigeons in your backyard: your support makes a difference.

How to sign

1. Go to the petition via this link .

2. Sign the petition and share it within your family, friends, sports club, or association.

3. Submit the completed petition to the KBDB no later than 7 September 2026 : by email to bocht.i@kbdb.be , or by post to KBDB, Attn: Ingrid Elleboog, Gaasbeeksesteenweg 52-54, 1500 Halle.

Why BLPP supports this

At Better Life for Pets & People, we believe in the connecting power of pets and the hundreds of Belgian animal associations that have emerged from them, from dog clubs to pigeon federations. They foster a sense of community, the transfer of knowledge between generations, and social cohesion, and that is exactly what we stand for as an organization. Pigeon racing is a prime example of this and therefore deserves recognition.

Two of our partners, PIPA and De Duif, are right at the heart of the pigeon world and know better than anyone what's at stake:

"At PIPA, we see how increasing regulatory pressure is putting pigeon racing and breeding under growing strain. That is precisely why we support Better Life for Pets & People: to continuously draw attention to the importance of responsible animal husbandry, tradition, and the positive social value of the sport and breeding." — Niels Cuelenaere, PIPA

"Pigeon fanciers have a strong bond with their pigeons. A better life for the pigeons often leads to better performance as well. But apart from the sporting aspect, the social character of pigeon racing is invaluable, especially for the many elderly." — Rik Hermans, De Duif

Several of our other partners know the pigeon world just as well: Vanrobaeys, Beyers (Group Depre), Mijten, Herbots and Versele.

This is exactly why BLPP supports this petition: recognition as intangible cultural heritage protects not only a tradition, but also the thousands of social connections and the care for animal welfare that come with it.

Sign the petition, share it further, and help give this tradition the recognition it deserves.

Go to the petition