Pigeons banned by communist party in China

Authorities in Beijing have ordered that pigeons remain in their birdcages on October 1 to prevent them disturbing celebrations to mark 60 years of communist rule.

To ensure no official feathers are ruffled by wayward birds, the 30,000 homes in Beijing which between them have raised more than one million pigeons were informed by the authorities that their birds would be banned from flying until October 2 under threat of a fine.



The only pigeons to take part will be the 60,000 to be released during the celebrations.

China's first military parade in 10 years, mass song and dance performances, and fireworks on October 1 will mark the day when revolutionary leader Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic in 1949 at Tiananmen Square.