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Video: Pigeoncide In Pennsylvania
By
Jen Carlson
Published May 25, 2010
Modified May 25, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published May 25, 2010
Modified May 25, 2010
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Forget pigeon racing... we've got bigger pigeon worries now! According to the New York City Bar, there's a big pigeon-napping problem—allegedly they're getting trapped in nets, tossed in vans and either used in some voodoo ceremonies, served up as food in a restaurant near you, or most commonly, they're used as targets at shooting ranges. What's worse, pigeons that are shot at the ranges often land on neighboring roofs (see video below).
Earlier this month the NYC Bar sent a letter (PDF) to lawmakers in Pennsylvania, where the pigeons are allegedly transported after capture. The letter stated that the high demands lead to "unlawful poaching in nearby New York City." Pennsylvania is now considering a ban on pigeon shooting, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Trapping pigeons in NYC can be legal though, as the WSJ points out, if the birds are a nuisance and if the trapper has a license, it's all good. The NYC Bar claims the pigeons being trapped, however, are for the most part deprived of food and water—something that violates animal cruelty laws. That, and, you know... that they are trapped for the sole purpose of being killed across state lines.
As for the Amateur Trap Shooting Association in Pennsylvania, where most of these birds are destined to die, a rep says, “It’s an American tradition and form of pest control." More on this form of pest control in this video courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States:
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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