Stewart Wardrop, manager of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA), told me any proven maltreatment should be punished.

BBC: Is pigeon racing cruel?

Between 50, 000 to 60, 000 pigeons are estimated to have gone missing last year due to problems such as bird of prey attacks and poor weather, the RPRA said.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Phone masts 'confusing' pigeons

No tax has been paid since 2007, when members of the club wrote to the Queen, the patron of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA), and local MP Sir Alan Beith also raised the matter in the House of Commons.

BBC: Belford Pigeon Club faces tax blow