Beijing Capital Airport is lobbying local Chinese government in an effort to restrict bird keeping in the vicinity of the airport.

Calls from the airport authority come just days after a collision between a landing plane and flock of pigeons. Nine pigeons were found dead and were identified as racers from a fancier living in a village 3 kilometres to the west of the airport.

The local pigeon association responded; "Prohibiting the raising of pigeons in the area cannot ensure the safety of the planes 100 percent, for even pigeons far away from the area may lose their way and end up there."

In the United Kingdom liberations of racing pigeons in an 8 mile radius of major airports is forbidden. Also convoyers must notify an airport 14 days in advance, and air traffic control 30 minutes before liberation where birds may cross an airfield.