Reward Offered for Information about Illegal Trafficking of Pigeons

March 12, 2008

Owing to an increase in reports of people netting birds in New York City for use in the underground live animal trade, The Humane Society of the United States is re-issuing a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons involved in this illegal trade. Many pigeons end up as live targets for pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania.  

The HSUS is seeking information about the illegal capture of birds and subsequent trafficking across state lines. During live pigeon shoots, 70 percent of the birds are shot and wounded rather than killed outright, with some wounded animals escaping into the area to suffer for hours or days before dying. Pennsylvania is the last state to openly host pigeon shoots. 

"It's time to expose the interstate nature of the seedy cruelty that occurs in connection with live pigeon shoots," said Heidi Prescott, The HSUS's senior vice president of campaigns. "Few New Yorkers realize that the city's wildlife is being plundered for a shooting circuit similar in its underground nature to animal fighting. We encourage anyone with information related to supplying birds to pigeon shoots come forward."

In December, The HSUS offered a reward for information related to nettings, gambling and other illegal activity related to shoots. The offer brought forth several confidential tips regarding the frequency of nettings and the egregious methods these bird capers employ to transport birds. Many birds arrive to the shoots already dead, malnourished and dehydrated.

Individuals with information may call the toll-free live pigeon shoot tip line at 1-800-637-4124.

Background About Live Pigeon Shoots:

• Live pigeon shoots are events where shooters fire at birds released one at a time from boxes in an attempt to shoot each animal down within a ring for prizes. 
• Live pigeon shoots occur almost every weekend in Pennsylvania during the fall.
• During past live pigeon shoots, participants have beaten the pigeons against barrels, buried wounded animals with dead ones in containers and abandoned wounded animals.
• At least 1,000 birds are typically used for one shoot.
• The HSUS is actively pursuing litigation and legislation in Pennsylvania to end pigeon shoots.

-30-

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.

Since 1993 the HSUS Wildlife Land Trust, alone or in partnership with other conservation groups, has participated in the protection of more than 1.8 million acres of wildlife habitat in 36 states and seven foreign countries.  On all properties owned by the Trust or protected by the Trust's conservation easement, both here and abroad, we prohibit recreational and commercial hunting and trapping and restrict logging and development. The Trust's commitment to these principles will never change as we continue to assist caring landowners to make their property permanent, safe homes for wildlife.