What if a pigeon does not arrive as agreed? Then this is the page that counts. We keep it short, clear and honest.
We guarantee that the pigeon matches what is stated on the website: the ring number, the pedigree and the appearance shown in the published photo. The pigeon’s identity is proven by the pedigree and the ring card, or — where there is none — by the ring on its leg. In practice this means:
Like any living animal, a pigeon can fall ill or die during transport, even when we send it off in good condition. So we cannot guarantee perfect health; we do guarantee that the pigeon is fit enough to travel at the moment it leaves us.
Report it to us in writing — by e-mail to johan@debelserracingpigeons.be or by registered letter. If the pigeon arrives ill or dead, we expect your report within 24 hours of arrival. For any other complaint about conformity — a wrong ring number, a pedigree that does not match, a pigeon that differs from the photo — that is within two months of discovering the problem.
Those 24 hours are not a formality: only shortly after arrival can we still establish what was wrong with the pigeon. For every other complaint the statutory period applies: a lack of conformity is reported within two months of discovering it. In Belgium consumer goods carry a statutory two-year guarantee, and that stays fully in force.
In case of illness or death we also ask for the evidence: the ring band of the pigeon, and the papers you received from us — the ring card and the pedigree. Send them to us the way we agree with you. A photo or a video can be faked, a ring band cannot: every pigeon has only one ring number, and without those pieces we cannot establish that it is the same pigeon. If you cannot manage to send the ring band, tell us: we will then assess your report on the veterinarian’s statement and clear photos or video showing the ring number.
Your report also allows us, if we consider it necessary, to have a licensed veterinarian carry out the examinations and give a statement about it.
Keep the pigeon, the ring and the packaging until we have handled your report.
If your report is justified, we look for a solution together. In practice that usually means an equivalent other pigeon. If there is none, or another arrangement fits better, we agree that together — a refund is possible then too. So we do not automatically choose a refund. If we do agree on a refund, we pay within 14 calendar days, through the method you used to pay.
How that works in practice is set out in our refund and return policy.
This policy belongs to our Terms and Conditions, articles 11 A and 14. Any doubts or questions? Mail us, we are happy to think along.
See also the FAQ and the Health and vaccination page.