‘I love animals’: Regina man disputes claims about his dogs and pigeons

Gordon Loucks feels that an unfair picture has been painted of him.

Unchanged: He has been in a years-long dispute with his neighbours and the City of Regina and the Regina Humane Society over the animals he keeps on his property and takes care of.

Two of his neighbours recently complained about dogs and pigeons on his property.

“I knew from a child I liked animals. I just get a bond with nature. I like birds. I am not an animal abuser. I do not treat animals or pets cruelly. They’re my companions. Instead of a pet shop, it should be a companion shop where we meet our future friends. If I had 20 bucks on me instead of going to a movie or whatever I would spend it on my animals,” Loucks said.

Loucks disputes what has been stated about the number of animals on his property and says he has been threatened. In recent days his house was hit with paintballs.

He wants people to know that city bylaws require him to keep a standard for his animals, the birds in particular.

“These birds have to have proper medication, you need to put vitamins in their water. They have to be housed in lofts. You have to clean those lofts they have to be kept dry as damp and wetness can kill the birds,” Loucks explained.

(Gordon Loucks/Submitted)

Loucks used to own a dove releasing business that was used during a 9/11 memorial event in front of City Hall in Regina. He got the idea after he first did something similar at his sister’s funeral.

He has since been involved in pigeon racing and has been a member of numerous animal organisations, including being the President of the Royal Canadian Pigeon Racing Club.

Loucks had a number of birds taken away which resulted in a court case between him and the City of Regina at King’s Bench Court which is waiting to go to trial. He also has another claim to do with his dogs and the Regina Humane Society.

He maintains any accusation that his property is dirty or have an odour as a result of his animals is unfair, saying it is no different to any other residential block in the city.

“I’m not an animal abuser. I worship animals. Check me out on Facebook, you’ll see no humans on there. It’s all about animals and animal safety. My favourite quote is, when dogs die, if they do not go to heaven, I want to go where they go.”