Pigeons had the potential to be a security risk. Spies, for instance, might use them to carry their messages.

A public notice printed in the September 17th, 1914, edition of The Luton News under The Defence of the Realm Regulation 1914 stated that all persons keeping carrier or homing pigeons within the Borough of Luton must obtain a permit to enable them to do so. Any persons neglecting to obtain such permit render themselves liable to a heavy penalty. Permits may be obtained at my office, Dunstable Place - D. Teale, Chief Constable.

The Luton News pointed out that permits could be revoked at any time and the authorities might, if they thought fit, cause the pigeons to be liberated.