Owners of racing pigeons have begun killing them or releasing them into the wild in the face of a new law requiring a $10,000 licence for keeping the birds, with heavy fines for non-compliance.
The owners, who do not need licences at present, will face a maximum penalty of $100,000 if convicted of breaking the rules, which take effect on Monday.
But the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department urged breeders not to release their birds.
'We don't encourage the release of home-fed birds - they may have problems adapting to the environment and it may also create sanitary problems in the community,' a spokesman said.
He said the licence fee would be reviewed but for now breeders of racing pigeons should submit applications before the deadline.
The policy is part of a ban on backyard poultry farming intended to prevent the spread of H5N1 bird flu. But it has met fierce opposition from breeders, who say it will put them out of business.
