Mike Tyson Pigeon Racing Show Ruffles PETA's Feathers
NEW YORK — An animal welfare group wants New York City prosecutors to investigate Mike Tyson's reality television show about pigeon racing.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says the Brooklyn-based show is cruel to animals and its races could involve illegal gambling.
The show will follow Tyson as he competes in pigeon races. The former world heavyweight champion has raised pigeons all his life but is a racing rookie.
The show airs next year on Animal Planet. A spokeswoman says there have never been plans for wagering on the races. She says the pigeons will be "cherished and respected by their owners," including Tyson.
PETA sent a letter dated March 18 to the Brooklyn district attorney's office requesting an investigation.
District attorney spokesman Jonah Bruno says the office is looking into the allegations.
additional link (added 3/29/10)
Showing posts with label cruelty to animals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cruelty to animals. Show all posts
Monday, March 22, 2010
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Cruel Pigeon Control in Toronto
On Sunday, Stilleposters were in a flap over what was perceived to be a cruel method of deterring pigeons being used at the TD Bank at Dundas and Ossington. Lara Williston posted photos of the location's façade, which appeared to have some pigeons' feathers stuck to it, followed by photos of a pigeon sitting on the sidewalk with its underside covered in some kind of thick, sticky substance. Williston explained what she had witnessed prior to snapping the photos:
The feathers that you see on the right side of the pillar are stuck in some of the glue and were ripped out a bird's wing that was dangling from the ledge. The pigeon that you see in the picture had fallen from the ledge and was glued to the front steps leading up to the door. He couldn't move his wings or walk because he was covered in this substance. I don't know if TD is specifically responsible or if it is the landlord of the building, but I suspect it is both, and either way it is an unacceptable and inhumane way of treating any animal, regardless of whether or not it is viewed as a pest.
The disturbing images prompted a generally negative reaction from Stilleposters, some of who wrote that they had placed calls to Animal Services, the Ministry of the Environment, City Hall, and the SPCA (apparently an agent was dispatched, though from what organization was not specified). Then, on Tuesday around noon, a new poster named mcram appeared on the boards, claiming to be a TD employee and offering this explanation:
Hello, I’m Matthew Cram from TD. On Sunday, a contractor we hired was installing a non-harmful pigeon deterrent (a device that dissuades pigeons from landing on our sign and making unsolicited “deposits” on customers). There was some extra adhesive from the installation of the device and unfortunately one pigeon did get stuck and died. The contractor came back yesterday to check the installation and remove any extra adhesive and we’re confident it’s now safe. This was a complete accident and we’re really sorry it happened. TD has been supporting wildlife and the environment for nearly 20 years through our TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (www.fef.ca) and this includes pigeons too!
There was some suspicion as to whether Cram was legit, but as his TD email address and this link prove, he indeed works in communications for the company. Over the phone, he explained that the pest control company Abell was hired to install metal spikes along the building to prevent pigeons from landing and thus making "deposits" on customers. Abell's installation job was sloppy, too much adhesive was used, and as a result a pigeon got stuck. "We talked to them, and they assured us this wouldn't happen again," Cram says. "As soon as I saw the thread, I thought, 'No, this can't be right.'" His story checked out: Torontoist dropped by the Dundas & Ossington branch yesterday and saw "porcupine wire" installed along the tops of signage and other popular pigeon-resting spots. Abell employees were at work, and there were no glue traps (or dead or injured pigeons) to be seen.
Cram's handling of the sticky situation seemed to satisfy Stillepost readers, and some commented that it was a good move on the part of TD to openly address the issue, especially on a message board. Though he's not too familiar with Stillepost (he was alerted to the pigeon thread by a bank employee), Cram notes that this sort of response speaks to the "new reality of news." "I read a lot of things, like Facebook, Twitter, and various blogs and websites. We like to know what people are saying about us, and it's interesting how we find out about a lot of things."
Could this be the future: corporate spokespeople like Cram responding to online criticism (even slightly misguided cries of "bird torture") in a timely and sensitive fashion? And to think, all it took to bring together indie-rock message board enthusiasts and a big soulless banking corporation was concern for flying rats.
See full article here.
All photos by Lara Williston.
The feathers that you see on the right side of the pillar are stuck in some of the glue and were ripped out a bird's wing that was dangling from the ledge. The pigeon that you see in the picture had fallen from the ledge and was glued to the front steps leading up to the door. He couldn't move his wings or walk because he was covered in this substance. I don't know if TD is specifically responsible or if it is the landlord of the building, but I suspect it is both, and either way it is an unacceptable and inhumane way of treating any animal, regardless of whether or not it is viewed as a pest.
The disturbing images prompted a generally negative reaction from Stilleposters, some of who wrote that they had placed calls to Animal Services, the Ministry of the Environment, City Hall, and the SPCA (apparently an agent was dispatched, though from what organization was not specified). Then, on Tuesday around noon, a new poster named mcram appeared on the boards, claiming to be a TD employee and offering this explanation:
Hello, I’m Matthew Cram from TD. On Sunday, a contractor we hired was installing a non-harmful pigeon deterrent (a device that dissuades pigeons from landing on our sign and making unsolicited “deposits” on customers). There was some extra adhesive from the installation of the device and unfortunately one pigeon did get stuck and died. The contractor came back yesterday to check the installation and remove any extra adhesive and we’re confident it’s now safe. This was a complete accident and we’re really sorry it happened. TD has been supporting wildlife and the environment for nearly 20 years through our TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (www.fef.ca) and this includes pigeons too!
There was some suspicion as to whether Cram was legit, but as his TD email address and this link prove, he indeed works in communications for the company. Over the phone, he explained that the pest control company Abell was hired to install metal spikes along the building to prevent pigeons from landing and thus making "deposits" on customers. Abell's installation job was sloppy, too much adhesive was used, and as a result a pigeon got stuck. "We talked to them, and they assured us this wouldn't happen again," Cram says. "As soon as I saw the thread, I thought, 'No, this can't be right.'" His story checked out: Torontoist dropped by the Dundas & Ossington branch yesterday and saw "porcupine wire" installed along the tops of signage and other popular pigeon-resting spots. Abell employees were at work, and there were no glue traps (or dead or injured pigeons) to be seen.
Cram's handling of the sticky situation seemed to satisfy Stillepost readers, and some commented that it was a good move on the part of TD to openly address the issue, especially on a message board. Though he's not too familiar with Stillepost (he was alerted to the pigeon thread by a bank employee), Cram notes that this sort of response speaks to the "new reality of news." "I read a lot of things, like Facebook, Twitter, and various blogs and websites. We like to know what people are saying about us, and it's interesting how we find out about a lot of things."
Could this be the future: corporate spokespeople like Cram responding to online criticism (even slightly misguided cries of "bird torture") in a timely and sensitive fashion? And to think, all it took to bring together indie-rock message board enthusiasts and a big soulless banking corporation was concern for flying rats.
See full article here.
All photos by Lara Williston.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Pigeon Shoots No Better than Cockfighting or Dogfighting
March 15
Times Leader.com
Pigeon shoots no better than cockfighting or dogfighting
It is a rare occurrence to open the paper and see a letter defending animal cruelty, yet a recent letter to the editor did just that and attempted to defend the indefensible game of launching live pigeons from box traps to be shot from 30 yards away.
Like dogfighting and cockfighting, pigeon shoots are largely underground practices that are not only associated with wanton animal cruelty, but also trafficking of animals and gambling. Prizes and money are awarded to shooters who shoot and drop the largest number of animals within a scoring ring.
Although the number of participants is dropping, several dozen shooters can still kill and wound at least 1,000 birds at each event. Birds are trafficked from states such as New York to meet the demand, despite efforts of law enforcement in New York to shut down the illegal netters.
Legislators have addressed dogfighting and cockfighting in Pennsylvania by making them felony crimes. It is time to also send this seedy practice to the history books.
For more information on live pigeon shoots visit www.humanesociety.org.
Heidi Prescott Senior vice president, campaigns The Humane Society of the United States Washington, D.C.
Times Leader.com
Pigeon shoots no better than cockfighting or dogfighting
It is a rare occurrence to open the paper and see a letter defending animal cruelty, yet a recent letter to the editor did just that and attempted to defend the indefensible game of launching live pigeons from box traps to be shot from 30 yards away.
Like dogfighting and cockfighting, pigeon shoots are largely underground practices that are not only associated with wanton animal cruelty, but also trafficking of animals and gambling. Prizes and money are awarded to shooters who shoot and drop the largest number of animals within a scoring ring.
Although the number of participants is dropping, several dozen shooters can still kill and wound at least 1,000 birds at each event. Birds are trafficked from states such as New York to meet the demand, despite efforts of law enforcement in New York to shut down the illegal netters.
Legislators have addressed dogfighting and cockfighting in Pennsylvania by making them felony crimes. It is time to also send this seedy practice to the history books.
For more information on live pigeon shoots visit www.humanesociety.org.
Heidi Prescott Senior vice president, campaigns The Humane Society of the United States Washington, D.C.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Heinous Acts of Cruelty in Pennsylvania
March 12
Lawyer needs to gain compassion and common sense
In his Feb. 28 letter to the editor, Attorney Paul M. Perlstein states that anyone who devotes time to the welfare of pigeons is selfish and/or ignoring widespread human suffering and needs.
He is entitled to his opinion, and here is mine. If the ground opened up and swallowed 90 percent of the Earth’s attorneys, this world would be a better place (and Satan would have to build an addition).
Every so often, the news media report stories of extreme animal cruelty, and there is always someone like Mr. Perlstein who says that they should be focusing on child abuse instead. Common sense and compassion tell us that it is perfectly justified and logical to be concerned with preventing and prosecuting both types of abuse.
Attorney Perlstein states that neck-wringing and decapitation are legal and humane methods of euthanizing birds. Common sense and compassion tell us otherwise. Hanging is the equivalent of neck-wringing, yet society does not allow us to hang or decapitate our most heinous criminals, because these execution methods are considered brutal and inhumane. Why should pigeons be denied such mercy?
Mr. Perlstein assures us that a pigeon shooter “has looked into his heart and is pleased with what is there.” No doubt the Boston Strangler was quite content with his deeds and had no trouble sleeping either, but anyone with compassion and common sense would feel otherwise.
Marie Marinakis
Newtown Square
March 11, 2008
Times Leader
Pigeon shooting contests mindless, reflect poorly on state
I am compelled to disagree with Paul Perlstein’s letter of Feb. 28 denouncing the efforts of organizations trying to put a stop to pigeon shoots.
Speaking as an observer of one of these events, I am convinced that it is the contests themselves – not the organizations and individuals trying to put a stop to them – that are “wrong and reflect(s) poorly on Pennsylvania.”
These mindless contests have blackened the state’s reputation among virtually all the non-participants who are aware of them, whether they are among the 5 percent of the population that hunts or the 95 percent of the population that does not.
To see these birds shot as they are released from the confinement of the cages in which they have been transported, or blasted at short range if they choose to walk instead of fly, is not a pretty sight. To see an escaped pigeon return to assist a wounded mate is heart-rending. Pigeons are a sector of the dove family (Columbidae), which has had a pleasant association for humans through much of history. Phrases such as gentle as a dove, dove-eyed, dove-like, and lovey-dovey come to mind.
The dictionary gives “a gentle woman or child” as one definition for dove.
Pigeon, on the other hand, denotes a dupe or mark, “an object of attack or ridicule.” Pigeon-dropping is another term for confidence game. Then there are pigeon-breasted (usually from rickets), pigeon-toed and pigeon-hearted (cowardly). This seems unfair to these affectionate birds that mate for life, maintain peaceful relations among themselves and other species, and feed their young with a regurgitated liquid called pigeon milk.
Yet some of us humans, who are supposed to be the superior species, view the deaths of these gentle creatures as nothing more than points to be scored in a shooting contest.
Bina Robinson Swain, N.Y.
Dear Times Leader:
Paul Perlstein attempts to defend the indefensible--pigeon shoots--in his 2/28/08 letter.
Mr. Perlstein, a personal injury lawyer, who prides himself on appearing as special counsel for gun nuts and hunting clubs, berates those who undertake to use the courts to end, not perpetuate, cruelty.
He drags out the tired gimmick of the ethically dishonest, by asking those dedicated to ending cruelty against a group that he does not care about, why they are not helping humans.
I have been a social worker for homeless families for over 23 years. As inevitable as taxes and death, are animal abusers who do nothing for humans, but rail against those whose advocacy helps animals and humans. Stretching credulity past its limit, animal killers also claim that it is they, not animal advocates, who do the most for animals and the environment.
Perlstein states that the American Veterinary Society (I assume he means the AVMA) “has sanctioned decapitation and neck wringing as appropriate means to dispatch wounded birds.” Perlstein neglects to mention that the birds are “wounded” because of hunters. In addition, The AVMA notoriously supports numerous industrial and recreational abuses of animals—abuses that are opposed by all humane organizations and by many veterinarians.
I witnessed the Hegins Pigeon Slaughter, year after year. I volunteered, either at the veterinary tent, or to run and catch the injured, but still alive, birds and bring them to our tent for treatment. We literally had to run to save their lives, while the hunters booed and screamed insults at us, and tried to beat us to the suffering birds, so that they could kill them in front of us. The wicked smirks on their faces, when they got to their victims first, demonstrated human evil in a most intense, profound, and frightening way. Wounded birds not making it off the field, had their heads ripped off, or necks twisted, by emotionally-disengaged, young girls and boys, recruited for the purpose.
To save what victims we could, we forced ourselves to watch, as the thirsty, hungry, dazed pigeons, released from dark boxes into the sunlight, flew or just staggered away, to be shot by drunken shooters (alcohol having been served at this “family” event). One of the cheering mutants told me that pigeons need to be killed, “because they cause the AID [sic].”
The wives/girlfriends/daughters of the killers frequently came up to several of us, at our veterinary tent, in the parking lot, to tell us that they were revolted by the cruelty and carnage being celebrated in their town. The kids begged us to save the pigeons, and the fearful women told us that if their men saw them talking to us, the men would beat them.
After the 1999 unanimous PA Supreme Court decision granting the PA SPCA jurisdiction to enforce Pennsylvania's cruelty to animals law at the Hegins pigeon shoot, the organizers of the slaughter ended the spectacle, knowing that they could now be prosecuted for animal cruelty.
Please contact your legislators, urging them to support Representative Frank Andrews Shimkus’ H.B. 73, which will ban live pigeon shoots in PA.
Susan Gordon, Board Member
New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance
Dear Times Leader:
Paul Perlstein had the audacity to say:
"I do not understand how anyone can be so selfish as to ignore the widespread human suffering and needs in this state and the world and devote so much time and energy to a pigeon."
Over the years, this man has made millions defending the "rights" of sadistic, brutal, uncivilized ignorant people that use a Constitutional Right as an excuse and camouflage to act-out their barbarities, involving their own children in the process.
If Paul Perlstein is really in touch with widespread human suffering, he should provide his services FREE OF CHARGE, to the victims of random shootings, as well as their families. Gun related crimes (whether killings of human or animals) are on the rise. In fact many young people are desensitized to the consequences of shooting a gun.
The same Constitutional Right that allows hunters to massacre animals, allows other types of criminals to commit crimes with easily obtainable guns.
Respectfully,
Lily
Please address letters to Times Leader to:
mailbag@timesleader.com.
Lawyer needs to gain compassion and common sense
In his Feb. 28 letter to the editor, Attorney Paul M. Perlstein states that anyone who devotes time to the welfare of pigeons is selfish and/or ignoring widespread human suffering and needs.
He is entitled to his opinion, and here is mine. If the ground opened up and swallowed 90 percent of the Earth’s attorneys, this world would be a better place (and Satan would have to build an addition).
Every so often, the news media report stories of extreme animal cruelty, and there is always someone like Mr. Perlstein who says that they should be focusing on child abuse instead. Common sense and compassion tell us that it is perfectly justified and logical to be concerned with preventing and prosecuting both types of abuse.
Attorney Perlstein states that neck-wringing and decapitation are legal and humane methods of euthanizing birds. Common sense and compassion tell us otherwise. Hanging is the equivalent of neck-wringing, yet society does not allow us to hang or decapitate our most heinous criminals, because these execution methods are considered brutal and inhumane. Why should pigeons be denied such mercy?
Mr. Perlstein assures us that a pigeon shooter “has looked into his heart and is pleased with what is there.” No doubt the Boston Strangler was quite content with his deeds and had no trouble sleeping either, but anyone with compassion and common sense would feel otherwise.
Marie Marinakis
Newtown Square
March 11, 2008
Times Leader
Pigeon shooting contests mindless, reflect poorly on state
I am compelled to disagree with Paul Perlstein’s letter of Feb. 28 denouncing the efforts of organizations trying to put a stop to pigeon shoots.
Speaking as an observer of one of these events, I am convinced that it is the contests themselves – not the organizations and individuals trying to put a stop to them – that are “wrong and reflect(s) poorly on Pennsylvania.”
These mindless contests have blackened the state’s reputation among virtually all the non-participants who are aware of them, whether they are among the 5 percent of the population that hunts or the 95 percent of the population that does not.
To see these birds shot as they are released from the confinement of the cages in which they have been transported, or blasted at short range if they choose to walk instead of fly, is not a pretty sight. To see an escaped pigeon return to assist a wounded mate is heart-rending. Pigeons are a sector of the dove family (Columbidae), which has had a pleasant association for humans through much of history. Phrases such as gentle as a dove, dove-eyed, dove-like, and lovey-dovey come to mind.
The dictionary gives “a gentle woman or child” as one definition for dove.
Pigeon, on the other hand, denotes a dupe or mark, “an object of attack or ridicule.” Pigeon-dropping is another term for confidence game. Then there are pigeon-breasted (usually from rickets), pigeon-toed and pigeon-hearted (cowardly). This seems unfair to these affectionate birds that mate for life, maintain peaceful relations among themselves and other species, and feed their young with a regurgitated liquid called pigeon milk.
Yet some of us humans, who are supposed to be the superior species, view the deaths of these gentle creatures as nothing more than points to be scored in a shooting contest.
Bina Robinson Swain, N.Y.
Dear Times Leader:
Paul Perlstein attempts to defend the indefensible--pigeon shoots--in his 2/28/08 letter.
Mr. Perlstein, a personal injury lawyer, who prides himself on appearing as special counsel for gun nuts and hunting clubs, berates those who undertake to use the courts to end, not perpetuate, cruelty.
He drags out the tired gimmick of the ethically dishonest, by asking those dedicated to ending cruelty against a group that he does not care about, why they are not helping humans.
I have been a social worker for homeless families for over 23 years. As inevitable as taxes and death, are animal abusers who do nothing for humans, but rail against those whose advocacy helps animals and humans. Stretching credulity past its limit, animal killers also claim that it is they, not animal advocates, who do the most for animals and the environment.
Perlstein states that the American Veterinary Society (I assume he means the AVMA) “has sanctioned decapitation and neck wringing as appropriate means to dispatch wounded birds.” Perlstein neglects to mention that the birds are “wounded” because of hunters. In addition, The AVMA notoriously supports numerous industrial and recreational abuses of animals—abuses that are opposed by all humane organizations and by many veterinarians.
I witnessed the Hegins Pigeon Slaughter, year after year. I volunteered, either at the veterinary tent, or to run and catch the injured, but still alive, birds and bring them to our tent for treatment. We literally had to run to save their lives, while the hunters booed and screamed insults at us, and tried to beat us to the suffering birds, so that they could kill them in front of us. The wicked smirks on their faces, when they got to their victims first, demonstrated human evil in a most intense, profound, and frightening way. Wounded birds not making it off the field, had their heads ripped off, or necks twisted, by emotionally-disengaged, young girls and boys, recruited for the purpose.
To save what victims we could, we forced ourselves to watch, as the thirsty, hungry, dazed pigeons, released from dark boxes into the sunlight, flew or just staggered away, to be shot by drunken shooters (alcohol having been served at this “family” event). One of the cheering mutants told me that pigeons need to be killed, “because they cause the AID [sic].”
The wives/girlfriends/daughters of the killers frequently came up to several of us, at our veterinary tent, in the parking lot, to tell us that they were revolted by the cruelty and carnage being celebrated in their town. The kids begged us to save the pigeons, and the fearful women told us that if their men saw them talking to us, the men would beat them.
After the 1999 unanimous PA Supreme Court decision granting the PA SPCA jurisdiction to enforce Pennsylvania's cruelty to animals law at the Hegins pigeon shoot, the organizers of the slaughter ended the spectacle, knowing that they could now be prosecuted for animal cruelty.
Please contact your legislators, urging them to support Representative Frank Andrews Shimkus’ H.B. 73, which will ban live pigeon shoots in PA.
Susan Gordon, Board Member
New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance
Dear Times Leader:
Paul Perlstein had the audacity to say:
"I do not understand how anyone can be so selfish as to ignore the widespread human suffering and needs in this state and the world and devote so much time and energy to a pigeon."
Over the years, this man has made millions defending the "rights" of sadistic, brutal, uncivilized ignorant people that use a Constitutional Right as an excuse and camouflage to act-out their barbarities, involving their own children in the process.
If Paul Perlstein is really in touch with widespread human suffering, he should provide his services FREE OF CHARGE, to the victims of random shootings, as well as their families. Gun related crimes (whether killings of human or animals) are on the rise. In fact many young people are desensitized to the consequences of shooting a gun.
The same Constitutional Right that allows hunters to massacre animals, allows other types of criminals to commit crimes with easily obtainable guns.
Respectfully,
Lily
Please address letters to Times Leader to:
mailbag@timesleader.com.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Recruit Woody Allen for National Pigeon Day!
Michael Clancy - mclancy@villagevoice.com
Recruit Woody Allen for National Pigeon Day!
Posted by Michael Clancy at 12:30 PM, February 21, 2008
Yo, Woody Allen. The New York Bird Club is calling on you to atone for your slurs against pigeons, by making a personal appearance at what organizers hope will be the first ever National Pigeon Day.
The president of the New York Bird Club Anna Dove wrote to her members:
Please contact the list below and request that Woody Allen make an appearance at National Pigeon Day on Friday, June, 13th (details forthcoming) to make right the horrible disservice he’s responsible for by causing our feral pigeon population which are being persecuted and annihilated because of cavalier remarks like "rats with wings" (Stardust Memories, 1980, written and directed by Woody Allen) .... For nearly 30 years this 'racial slur" has and is presently being perpetuated by the media who use it to ridicule and degrade pigeons so that they have no respect in our society and, therefore, are treated with contempt and hatred by the general public."
Organizers hope to hold the first National Pigeon Day on June 13th to mark the anniversary of the death of Cher Ami, a homing pigeon credited with saving the lives of 194 U.S. infantrymen in France during WWI.
The impetus to create a National Pigeon Day came as part of the backlash against two City Council bills seeking to curb the pigeon population.
C'mon, Woody, it's the right thing to do.
--------------------------------------------
Naomi Semeniuk on Woody Allen"
"Woody Allen and His Derision of Nature"
Woody Allen has given the cinema world many creative moments of unstoppable laughter and cinematic satirical musings that have won him accolades, but Woody Allen isn't one to get involved with nature or any life threatening environmental issue.
No question this man has the versatility to make hilarious witty films about the absurd inanities and ludicrousness of human nature that makes audiences laugh so hard that tears unfold. He was born to make movies and that's what he does best. Development beyond that is NOT in Woody's life's script, nor is pigeon reverence nor is divine solidarity with nature nor is the conservation and preservation of all species and their protection.
Allen also has the promethean ability to make a dark morbid film noir like "Matchpoint" in which the protagonist literally gets away with murder and acts of the most depraved evil. Films like these mirror his darker side which I believe he explores through the genre of his films as he magnifies and explores his inner demons through his art. I sometimes squirm unapprovingly at such films because they send a dead wrong message. Even though life imitates art and vice versa, no villain should get away if there's any justice in the universe and its mysterious forces yet we see this happening, and each time it tugs and gnaws at us with it's jarring effect throwing us off balance as we grasp for answers that aren't there.
Woody is as non involved with nature as severely autistic patients would be about the world around them. Many churches and clergy in our society are also autistic zombies in denial about the rest of the beings on the planet and elsewhere when it comes to the suffering plights of these beings. Woody like so many billions out there are nature's self made autistic non supporters and non involvers. They have nothing to say or feel about any natural animal species, nor do they care about Larsen shelves melting in the Arctic or the disappearance of 165 species and counting.
In Allen's neighborhood there's a pet farm with live farm animals but that's a place he would never visit. The black painted walls of Elaine's, a restaurant which gives me the hee bee gee bee creeps is the hangout which has made its mark of distinction because it's Woody's hangout. If Dracula was an interior designer he'd design "Elaine's" as the restaurant of his trademark. The ghoulishness of Elaine's restaurant lingers in my memory so that one visit there was enough for me. I expected Dracula to walk in any minute. Being there was a dining experience fit for the color blinded that only see the black and white colors of the earth and no other colors of the planet come into focus with them. I'm stupefied as to why a creative mind would want to dine in an artless ghoulish atmosphere such as Elaine's. I'd prefer the Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hyde restaurant because at least it has zany humor and unpredictability made to laugh at oneself.
I recall how Mr. Allen once said that when he went to the country he really couldn't stand it because he really can't stand anything having to do with nature and that accounts for his nefarious ignorant statement describing pigeons as winged rats in his 1980 movie "Stardust Memories". I don't know if Allen would know the difference between a rat or a swan or vice versa. Allen sees no beauty in anything outside of his one dimensional world view purview. It's the female specie that he's taken a fancy to at the moment that he wishes to devour and devour he has. His latest film "Cassandra's Crossing" came and went with the wisp of the wind. That was also a dark film with no laughter in it and characters trying to beat the system with their lack of moral convictions.
Woody broke Mia Farrow's heart after a long time relationship with her when Mia Farrow found nude photos of her then young adopted daughter, who Allen is currently married to. Their world toppled and Farrow and Allen went their separate ways permanently. Unlike the clinging long face lugubrious looking wives' of fallen politicians who are disgraced as a result of their own uncontrollable boudoir carnal vices and getting caught doing them, Mia has been a woman very much in control of herself and has held her head up high with a smashing tenacious dignity since she doesn't need to hold on to Allen's coattails of movie power, or any power for any reason. Her power is developing in quantum leaps forward as it gets more polished and defined from thinking and flying out of the box like a pigeon navigating the earth's magnetic fields in a headlong dynamic flight pattern. Mia has thrown the book at Woody dropping this, the man in her life, like a piece of rotten rancid food that's been in the refrigerator for too long. Mia Farrow has become the world's spokesperson and UN emissary for the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and has campaigned for an end to the holocaust in Darfur.
Woody never married Mama Mia, and when Farrow said that Allen molested their seven year old at the time this accusation was dismissed and put in a back burner. Woody's depth of field is like having only a frontal vision of the world without the peripheral views and the views from beyond those views. He has never been known to walk with a dog or even own one as far as I know. Can you imagine Allen going to rescue any animal let alone a pigeon? Allen would never have the guts to hold a news conference on catching bird netters, stopping pigeon hunts or any other form of blood splattered animal canned hunts. His Hollywood heart does not bleed for them. He would never lend himself to any outside cause except the success of his cinematic creations.
Moviemakers have to be responsible for what's on the screen and the more they steer themselves into those unexplored magnetic fields that pigeons understand so well, the more film makers will diversify and make precise statements through the power of film about social and environmental issues. I would think that Woody Allen would have an apoplectic conniption if a pigeon landed on his shoulder. He's nature's buffoon lampooning at himself and blurring the wonders of nature.
"Pigeon Genius" the National Geographic Special is a knockout documentary on the fascinating vagaries and natural gifts of pigeons. This ornithological tour de force of a documentary seen on the National Geographic Channel recently should be included in every school curriculum and also in the churches whose congregation and clergy are also autistic zombies where the only souls that matter are always predictably human. With these stale zombie minds all around us, there's never a synergy with all the dynamics of nature and the universe, but this documentary about the film "Pigeon Genius" is electrifying and an epiphany for many who never knew the wonders of pigeons.
In his position Allen, a long time resident of the upper east side where I also come from, is one to never be a green visionary for the neighborhood. Saving a tree or birds or any non human species is not in his train of thought. I think he'd be terrified of our fine feathered friends and he'd cringe and avoid them with an adamant passion even if he saw one in pain. It takes one with a spiritual impetus and spiritual intelligence and foresight to save a helpless animal in the street, but in Allen's case it's all about an ego trapped in a Petri dish grabbing its one cell and multiplying it tens of millions of times over and over again waiting to say "cut" or "print" on his films. That door inside him that's eternally shut has never been opened to venture outside himself to seek something more majestic than himself.
If the mind is like a parachute, and that it works better when its opened, than so is the dramatic paradigm shift in the mind of the pro nature-pro animal activist whose doors within are opened to a matrix of nature that's bleeding and in need of those minds that are opened like parachutes but keep their brains in touch with those feathered and furry creatures everywhere in the planet who are crying out for help. This is not Woody's world. The earth cinema circle is also not his world. We know what to expect when we go to a Woody Allen film. Humans inhabit the world. No, Woody Allen isn't about to fight for humanitarian causes nor climate change causes or green causes or animal abuse causes. His focus is on self gratification and ego stratification and on to the next movie project.
As in so many of his films Woody Allen is portraying himself and the inner fragments of himself are scattered out there on the giant screens in every one of his films. Lately his direction of his two recent films "Matchpoint" and Cassandra's Crossing", has Allen in a film noir state of mind where his darker side has been mirrored. Woody Allen is very much the pre-eminent nerd who made it in the film world but one who cannot shape shift into a crusader of something other than his latest movie project. Like so many of his elk, Woody's world is the one world where he's succeeded and continues to succeed. There're no other world other than the one he creates on camera and off camera and they're no other beings or subplots or major plots other than the females he can have and can't have. It's an endless insatiable quest for the insatiable conquest of his carnal giddy mind. Woody does not have eyes for the causes outside other than his cinematic agendas and his private agendas. Woody in some ways is just like the main character in Lolita where the mature man played by Jeremy Irons and the late Peter Sellers has a fatalistic manic addiction for beautiful little girls. Now years later, his wife formerly his adopted daughter, goes everywhere with him. Mia Farrow on the other hand turned to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and made that cause her overarching social cause for justice. She's championed this cause for the UN and the world and has been a Hollywood whistleblower for the atrocities that are happening there.
In one of his recent movies "Matchpoint" the protagonist gets away with the premeditated bloody murder of his paramour, and in this movie Mr. Allen sends a message of societal unaccountability which happens when civilizations collapse. The Best Bird Club wants Woody Allen to see the error of his ways since he coined the damning phrase "winged rats" in his 1980 movie "Stardust Memories" and to redeem himself and make peace with the nature he abhors so much, but unfortunately it's not about to happen. London's "Save the Pigeons" and other organizations like them are fighting for the lives of these precious birds who are always in the line of fire. The bird wars with the human adversaries making war against these most graceful, beautiful indomitable spirits that all pigeons possess must be dealt with.
We hope that Governor Patterson will take up the gauntlet and become aware that the presence of bird netters ravaging our neighborhoods and butchering pigeons for black market businesses should be one of the priority issues that needs to be on the frontline battleground of black market atrocities and businesses that need to be crushed for good.
Some time ago I took it upon myself to write a snail mail letter to ex Governor Spitzer about the escalating business of bird netting in New York State to which I never received a reply since whoring and selling New York down the path of perdition and degradation was at the top of his agenda. Let's hope the tide will turn a full 360 degrees and that our wildlife will be saved and the netters will be netted out of business for good.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Illegal Avitrol Used to Control Pigeons in Worcester, Mass.
Article published Dec 30, 2007
Nonlethal means touted for nuisance bird control
Chemical Avitrol causes pigeons great suffering
By Danielle M. Williamson
TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
dawilliamson@telegram.com
In her nine years helping sick and injured wildlife, Sigrid Warren had never seen anything like what she witnessed this summer and fall. First, the Gardner woman tried to save two pigeons that violently seized and convulsed. A few weeks later, she came to the aid of a mourning dove with half of its tail ripped out, unable to walk. Meanwhile, colleagues saw pigeons, a sparrow and a blue jay drop from the sky. In October, the city’s animal control officer brought her a ruffed grouse that had flown into a store window and died. After unsuccessful attempts to save the birds, Mrs. Warren learned that several downtown businesses had hired a pest control company to use chemical-treated corn kernels to rid their rooftops of pesky pigeons. Suddenly, the previously baffling bird injuries made sense.
“I’m not trying to advocate that we have 10,000 pigeons in town,” said Mrs. Warren, a certified wildlife rehabilitator. “But animals — not just pigeons — that get into Avitrol can die miserable deaths.”
Mrs. Warren can’t prove that the unusually high number of bird deaths, or the disappearance of the hawk that normally watches over her backyard, are directly attributable to a chemical that pest control companies use to control nuisance birds. Necropsies are costly, and she already had disposed of some of the birds before she learned that Avitrol could have been a factor. From her experience, however, she suspects that some of the birds ate the treated corn, became disoriented, and suffered fatal injuries by flying into cars and windows, or by becoming vulnerable to attack.
Waltham Services, a pest control company permitted by the state to use Avitrol, says the right mixture of the chemical with corn kernels is an effective means of keeping pigeons away from the roofs of clients, but acknowledged that its sometimes lethal effects makes it a less than an ideal solution.
Even the Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates Avitrol, notes in a September report that the chemical poses “an acute risk” to nontarget species, including hawks.
Wildlife rehabilitators and an international organization that offers pigeon control solutions tout nonlethal options to ultimately reduce the pigeon population, and question why Avitrol, which is banned throughout much of Europe and in New York City, is legal here.
Worcester, meanwhile, has naturally reduced its flock of Canada geese, which, like pigeons, are annoying mainly because of their frequent defecation on public property. “Avitrol doesn’t reduce the pigeon population at all, and we’ve never used it to kill off a flock,” said Richard C. Berman, technical manager for Waltham Services. “Basically, we’re moving the problem from point A to point B.”
The mixture of harmless and chemically treated corn is meant to frighten away pigeons that see other members of their flock become distressed from it. Mr. Berman said that while his company offers nonlethal pigeon control solutions, including netting and bird spikes, Avitrol is the most popular because it is the least expensive.
Gardner officials estimate at least 24 pigeons died over the late summer and early fall, while Waltham Services had permits from the state Division of Fisheries & Wildlife to place Avitrol-treated corn kernels at popular pigeon roosting areas.
The company is still using Avitrol in Gardner, but the city has not seen multiple deaths since the fall. Mr. Berman said at the time it was unusual to see so many deaths, especially since his company has been working in Gardner for years. Typically, there are more deaths when a pest control company starts a program, he said.
Since there is no requirement for pest control companies, clients or the state to notify municipalities of the ongoing use of Avitrol, Gardner officials could not immediately explain the deaths. The problem mirrored an incident in Milford in summer 2004, when, unknown to town officials, Milford Regional Medical Center hired a company to use Avitrol, and handfuls of pigeons died in the hospital parking lot.
“We must have tested seven or eight pigeons for West Nile virus,” said Milford Health Agent Paul A. Mazzuchelli. “When people found out it was Avitrol, there was a public outcry.” Milford has since used Avipel, touted as a nonlethal repellant, to keep pigeons away from its bell tower at Town Hall.
Guy Merchant, founder of the nonprofit Pigeon Control Advisory Service, based in the United Kingdom, works with cities and towns throughout the world to naturally reduce the pigeon population, and recently started advising New York City councilors.
Not only is Avitrol dangerous to the birds that feed near or prey on pigeons, but it is also an ineffective means of controlling pigeon problems in the long term, he said. “It staggers me that Avitrol’s allowed to be used as irresponsibly as it is in America,” Mr. Merchant said. “By using lethal means, all you’re doing is increasing flock size. The only beneficiaries are the pest control companies that offer the service.”
When pigeons lose members of their flock, their instinctive response is to “breed open-endedly” to bring flock size back, Mr. Merchant said. His 35 years of experience in the pigeon control field show him that pigeons that lose part of their flock to death will overcompensate, ultimately increasing the flock by 10 percent to 20 percent.
Pigeon Control Advisory Service recommends several solutions for pigeon control: discouraging residents from feeding the birds in congested areas, setting up feeding areas away from the downtown area, and erecting artificial breeding facilities. The group offers its consulting for free. The breeding facilities — 8-foot by 6-foot structures that resemble a garden shed — encourage pigeons to roost and feed in a controlled area. Volunteers, often wildlife rehabilitators, such as Mrs. Warren, go to the structures once a week to remove the pigeons’ eggs and replace them with dummy eggs, Mr. Merchant said.
An article published Feb. 9, 1993, in The New York Times documents the success of such facilities in Basel, Switzerland, starting in 1988. Led by a team of researchers, students and residents built nine pigeon lofts from which they removed 1,200 eggs a year. After 50 months, the pigeon population had fallen 50 percent.
Worcester officials have reduced the city’s population of Canada geese by implementing a program similar to what Pigeon Control Advisory Service recommends for pigeon control. Neighborhood volunteers monitor the birds’ nests in the spring and put vegetable oil on the eggs, ensuring they don’t hatch. James G. Gardiner, acting director of health and human services, said this practice has reduced the city’s flock by 75 geese. “What a difference this has made with the concerts at Elm Park,” Mr. Gardiner said. The city also has a no-feeding ordinance, which has been effective because of an extensive education program, Mr. Gardiner said, adding the pigeon population has visibly decreased since the ordinance was created in spring 2006. Mr. Gardiner said Worcester has not used Avitrol, and believes that reducing the birds’ feeding sources is one of the best long-term solutions.
Mrs. Warren, meanwhile, is hoping for a time when the downtown Gardner area she now calls “the kill zone,” is free of Avitrol, and she doesn’t have to fear for the lives of songbirds and hawks. Gardner Animal Control Officer Lisa A. Gaudet, who took injured pigeons and birds to wildlife rehabilitators, said she felt horrible that Mrs. Warren spent hours trying to help the animals, only to find there was no way to save them. “I’m sure people who feel they have no choice but to use it (Avitrol) would be willing to consider other options if there was a plan in place,” Ms. Gaudet said.
Nonlethal means touted for nuisance bird control
Chemical Avitrol causes pigeons great suffering
By Danielle M. Williamson
TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
dawilliamson@telegram.com
In her nine years helping sick and injured wildlife, Sigrid Warren had never seen anything like what she witnessed this summer and fall. First, the Gardner woman tried to save two pigeons that violently seized and convulsed. A few weeks later, she came to the aid of a mourning dove with half of its tail ripped out, unable to walk. Meanwhile, colleagues saw pigeons, a sparrow and a blue jay drop from the sky. In October, the city’s animal control officer brought her a ruffed grouse that had flown into a store window and died. After unsuccessful attempts to save the birds, Mrs. Warren learned that several downtown businesses had hired a pest control company to use chemical-treated corn kernels to rid their rooftops of pesky pigeons. Suddenly, the previously baffling bird injuries made sense.
“I’m not trying to advocate that we have 10,000 pigeons in town,” said Mrs. Warren, a certified wildlife rehabilitator. “But animals — not just pigeons — that get into Avitrol can die miserable deaths.”
Mrs. Warren can’t prove that the unusually high number of bird deaths, or the disappearance of the hawk that normally watches over her backyard, are directly attributable to a chemical that pest control companies use to control nuisance birds. Necropsies are costly, and she already had disposed of some of the birds before she learned that Avitrol could have been a factor. From her experience, however, she suspects that some of the birds ate the treated corn, became disoriented, and suffered fatal injuries by flying into cars and windows, or by becoming vulnerable to attack.
Waltham Services, a pest control company permitted by the state to use Avitrol, says the right mixture of the chemical with corn kernels is an effective means of keeping pigeons away from the roofs of clients, but acknowledged that its sometimes lethal effects makes it a less than an ideal solution.
Even the Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates Avitrol, notes in a September report that the chemical poses “an acute risk” to nontarget species, including hawks.
Wildlife rehabilitators and an international organization that offers pigeon control solutions tout nonlethal options to ultimately reduce the pigeon population, and question why Avitrol, which is banned throughout much of Europe and in New York City, is legal here.
Worcester, meanwhile, has naturally reduced its flock of Canada geese, which, like pigeons, are annoying mainly because of their frequent defecation on public property. “Avitrol doesn’t reduce the pigeon population at all, and we’ve never used it to kill off a flock,” said Richard C. Berman, technical manager for Waltham Services. “Basically, we’re moving the problem from point A to point B.”
The mixture of harmless and chemically treated corn is meant to frighten away pigeons that see other members of their flock become distressed from it. Mr. Berman said that while his company offers nonlethal pigeon control solutions, including netting and bird spikes, Avitrol is the most popular because it is the least expensive.
Gardner officials estimate at least 24 pigeons died over the late summer and early fall, while Waltham Services had permits from the state Division of Fisheries & Wildlife to place Avitrol-treated corn kernels at popular pigeon roosting areas.
The company is still using Avitrol in Gardner, but the city has not seen multiple deaths since the fall. Mr. Berman said at the time it was unusual to see so many deaths, especially since his company has been working in Gardner for years. Typically, there are more deaths when a pest control company starts a program, he said.
Since there is no requirement for pest control companies, clients or the state to notify municipalities of the ongoing use of Avitrol, Gardner officials could not immediately explain the deaths. The problem mirrored an incident in Milford in summer 2004, when, unknown to town officials, Milford Regional Medical Center hired a company to use Avitrol, and handfuls of pigeons died in the hospital parking lot.
“We must have tested seven or eight pigeons for West Nile virus,” said Milford Health Agent Paul A. Mazzuchelli. “When people found out it was Avitrol, there was a public outcry.” Milford has since used Avipel, touted as a nonlethal repellant, to keep pigeons away from its bell tower at Town Hall.
Guy Merchant, founder of the nonprofit Pigeon Control Advisory Service, based in the United Kingdom, works with cities and towns throughout the world to naturally reduce the pigeon population, and recently started advising New York City councilors.
Not only is Avitrol dangerous to the birds that feed near or prey on pigeons, but it is also an ineffective means of controlling pigeon problems in the long term, he said. “It staggers me that Avitrol’s allowed to be used as irresponsibly as it is in America,” Mr. Merchant said. “By using lethal means, all you’re doing is increasing flock size. The only beneficiaries are the pest control companies that offer the service.”
When pigeons lose members of their flock, their instinctive response is to “breed open-endedly” to bring flock size back, Mr. Merchant said. His 35 years of experience in the pigeon control field show him that pigeons that lose part of their flock to death will overcompensate, ultimately increasing the flock by 10 percent to 20 percent.
Pigeon Control Advisory Service recommends several solutions for pigeon control: discouraging residents from feeding the birds in congested areas, setting up feeding areas away from the downtown area, and erecting artificial breeding facilities. The group offers its consulting for free. The breeding facilities — 8-foot by 6-foot structures that resemble a garden shed — encourage pigeons to roost and feed in a controlled area. Volunteers, often wildlife rehabilitators, such as Mrs. Warren, go to the structures once a week to remove the pigeons’ eggs and replace them with dummy eggs, Mr. Merchant said.
An article published Feb. 9, 1993, in The New York Times documents the success of such facilities in Basel, Switzerland, starting in 1988. Led by a team of researchers, students and residents built nine pigeon lofts from which they removed 1,200 eggs a year. After 50 months, the pigeon population had fallen 50 percent.
Worcester officials have reduced the city’s population of Canada geese by implementing a program similar to what Pigeon Control Advisory Service recommends for pigeon control. Neighborhood volunteers monitor the birds’ nests in the spring and put vegetable oil on the eggs, ensuring they don’t hatch. James G. Gardiner, acting director of health and human services, said this practice has reduced the city’s flock by 75 geese. “What a difference this has made with the concerts at Elm Park,” Mr. Gardiner said. The city also has a no-feeding ordinance, which has been effective because of an extensive education program, Mr. Gardiner said, adding the pigeon population has visibly decreased since the ordinance was created in spring 2006. Mr. Gardiner said Worcester has not used Avitrol, and believes that reducing the birds’ feeding sources is one of the best long-term solutions.
Mrs. Warren, meanwhile, is hoping for a time when the downtown Gardner area she now calls “the kill zone,” is free of Avitrol, and she doesn’t have to fear for the lives of songbirds and hawks. Gardner Animal Control Officer Lisa A. Gaudet, who took injured pigeons and birds to wildlife rehabilitators, said she felt horrible that Mrs. Warren spent hours trying to help the animals, only to find there was no way to save them. “I’m sure people who feel they have no choice but to use it (Avitrol) would be willing to consider other options if there was a plan in place,” Ms. Gaudet said.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Owl Howls Scare Pigeons on Parkway
BY LARRY McSHANEDAILY
NEWS STAFF WRITER
Wednesday, December 19th 2007
That screeching noise coming from the Henry Hudson Parkway? It's not just tires and brakes.
The recorded squawks of owls are echoing through the parkway's toll plaza each day, driving off a plethora of pigeons that cooped (and pooped) all over the area for years. The owl howls - think scarecrows with speakers - boom from the Manhattan side of the bridge to the Bronx, adjacent to the tollbooths on the lower level.
The piped-in noise from the pigeons' natural predators is a huge success in keeping the area clean, said Joyce Mulvaney, spokeswoman for MTA Bridges and Tunnels. The pigeons created major problems at the toll plaza and its facility building, laying a coat of bird droppings on walkways, railings and window sills.
And the smell, despite the neighboring Hudson River, was intense.
Cue the machine. Shoo the pigeons.
"When the device goes off," Mulvaney said, "they scatter."
While the pigeons still do flybys, very few settle in for the long haul since the machine arrived two years ago.
The device, while piercing, is pigeon-friendly. The majority of the birds relocate from the toll plaza to nearby Inwood Park, a woodsy area perfect for pigeons.
The anti-pigeon program was less successful at the Midtown Tunnel, where the birds were chased away but the neighbors were driven crazy by the sounds, said Mulvaney.
lmcshane@nydailynews.com
NEWS STAFF WRITER
Wednesday, December 19th 2007
That screeching noise coming from the Henry Hudson Parkway? It's not just tires and brakes.
The recorded squawks of owls are echoing through the parkway's toll plaza each day, driving off a plethora of pigeons that cooped (and pooped) all over the area for years. The owl howls - think scarecrows with speakers - boom from the Manhattan side of the bridge to the Bronx, adjacent to the tollbooths on the lower level.
The piped-in noise from the pigeons' natural predators is a huge success in keeping the area clean, said Joyce Mulvaney, spokeswoman for MTA Bridges and Tunnels. The pigeons created major problems at the toll plaza and its facility building, laying a coat of bird droppings on walkways, railings and window sills.
And the smell, despite the neighboring Hudson River, was intense.
Cue the machine. Shoo the pigeons.
"When the device goes off," Mulvaney said, "they scatter."
While the pigeons still do flybys, very few settle in for the long haul since the machine arrived two years ago.
The device, while piercing, is pigeon-friendly. The majority of the birds relocate from the toll plaza to nearby Inwood Park, a woodsy area perfect for pigeons.
The anti-pigeon program was less successful at the Midtown Tunnel, where the birds were chased away but the neighbors were driven crazy by the sounds, said Mulvaney.
lmcshane@nydailynews.com
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Tests Show Pigeons Are Starving (London, England)
Post-mortem tests carried out by a government laboratory show pigeons in Trafalgar Square are starving to death, according to a campaign group.
The Veterinary Laboratories Agency examined five corpses and found them to be in "poor bodily condition" and the "gizzard of all birds was empty".
Pigeon Action Group (PAG) says a ban on feeding the birds, introduced by mayor Ken Livingstone in 2003, is to blame.
The mayor's office said measures to reduce pigeon numbers were humane.
Agonising death
It became illegal to feed birds in the main square in 2003, but a loophole allowed protesters to continue to feed pigeons and other birds on the north terrace.
This loophole was closed by Westminster Council in September and pigeon numbers are thought to have dropped to between 300 and 400.
PAG claims that in 2002 a flock of about 4,500 birds occupied the square.
"The reality is that these birds have been subjected to a long, agonising death by starvation"
Julia Fletcher from PAG
In October PAG sent five dead pigeons found in the square to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency's (VLA) laboratories in Suffolk.
The autopsy report said: "All were found to be in poor bodily condition and although in some of the birds there was evidence of recent feeding... the gizzard of all birds was empty."
The tests found no evidence of salmonella or the notifiable disease paramyxovirus.
Julia Fletcher of PAG said: "While the mayor is reporting that the programme to reduce the birds is working well, the reality is that these birds have been subjected to a long, agonising death by starvation."
She said that due to the birds' homing instinct they will not go elsewhere for food and the group wants a designated feeding area set up in the square.
A spokesman for the Greater London Authority said: "The GLA measures to reduce the feral pigeon population in Trafalgar Square and make the square more pleasant and hygienic for public use have been done in a humane way.
"It considers that it has at all times acted responsibly and fairly."
BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7138070.stm
Published: 2007/12/11
The Veterinary Laboratories Agency examined five corpses and found them to be in "poor bodily condition" and the "gizzard of all birds was empty".
Pigeon Action Group (PAG) says a ban on feeding the birds, introduced by mayor Ken Livingstone in 2003, is to blame.
The mayor's office said measures to reduce pigeon numbers were humane.
Agonising death
It became illegal to feed birds in the main square in 2003, but a loophole allowed protesters to continue to feed pigeons and other birds on the north terrace.
This loophole was closed by Westminster Council in September and pigeon numbers are thought to have dropped to between 300 and 400.
PAG claims that in 2002 a flock of about 4,500 birds occupied the square.
"The reality is that these birds have been subjected to a long, agonising death by starvation"
Julia Fletcher from PAG
In October PAG sent five dead pigeons found in the square to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency's (VLA) laboratories in Suffolk.
The autopsy report said: "All were found to be in poor bodily condition and although in some of the birds there was evidence of recent feeding... the gizzard of all birds was empty."
The tests found no evidence of salmonella or the notifiable disease paramyxovirus.
Julia Fletcher of PAG said: "While the mayor is reporting that the programme to reduce the birds is working well, the reality is that these birds have been subjected to a long, agonising death by starvation."
She said that due to the birds' homing instinct they will not go elsewhere for food and the group wants a designated feeding area set up in the square.
A spokesman for the Greater London Authority said: "The GLA measures to reduce the feral pigeon population in Trafalgar Square and make the square more pleasant and hygienic for public use have been done in a humane way.
"It considers that it has at all times acted responsibly and fairly."
BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7138070.stm
Published: 2007/12/11
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Despite Bad Rap Pennsylvania Pigeon Shoots Go On
Critics still take aim at Pa. pigeon shoots
Enthusiasts press on despite bad rap.
By Amy Worden
Inquirer Staff Writer
Find this article at: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20071205_Critics_still_take_aim_at_Pa__pigeon_shoots.html
PIKEVILLE, Pa. - At the cry of "Pull!" a pigeon is catapulted from a small spring-loaded metal box in the middle of a field at the Pike Township Sportsmen's Club. A shooter poised 30 yards away with a shotgun fires, sending the gray and white bird plummeting to the ground.
Over and over for two hours scores of live pigeons are launched into the air as shooters vie to kill the most birds and take home the prize money.
Some birds are killed instantly. Others land wounded, flapping helplessly on injured wings. The lucky ones escape and cluster in nearby trees and rooftops.
This is the scene at the Pike Township Sportsmen's Club, 56 miles northwest of Philadelphia, where Sunday pigeon shoots are a longtime tradition. Fewer than a half-dozen gun clubs - most of them in Berks County - still stage shoots in the state. Pennsylvania is one of two states where the events are legal, but the only one where the shoots are still being held.
Under fire from lawsuits, bad publicity and hostile legislation, the clubs operate in near secrecy. They do not advertise their shoots, nor are they open to the public. Efforts by a reporter to talk to participants at one recent pigeon shoot were rebuffed.
The Humane Society of the United States has been trying to end pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania since the mid-1980s. It has filed lawsuits on animal-cruelty allegations and pushed bills to ban the shoots in every legislative session without success.
The group argues the unregulated shoots are cruel because so many birds are slaughtered at close range and the injured suffer needlessly. The injured that fall inside the rings have their heads snapped off by ring crew members and those that fly away injured, critics say, languish in pain for hours or days before dying.
But they also contend that the shoots, like dog fights, are rife with other kinds of illegal activity occurring across multiple states in the region: trapping birds in New York City, transporting animals across state lines, tax fraud and gambling.
"Animal cruelty alone should be enough to shut down this practice, but there are many other compelling reasons as well," said Heidi Prescott, vice president for the Humane Society. "Our intelligence about the sordid and secretive pigeon-shoot circuit highlights the similarity to dogfighting and cockfighting in terms of the extent of gambling and illegal animal trafficking."
Officials at three gun clubs contacted by The Inquirer did not return calls seeking comment. An official reached at the Strausstown Gun Club, where pigeon shoots are held seven times a year, said he was not involved.
"I don't approve of them, but I don't condemn them," said Tom Leary, vice president of the club.
Don Bailey of Strausstown, who organizes shoots and provides pigeons at the Strausstown club and elsewhere, said he viewed the events as an effective way to get rid of vermin. "We kill pigeons," said Bailey. "What do you think they do when they poison birds in Philadelphia?"
Monitoring the Action
From her perch a few hundred yards away from the shooting rings, humane officer Johnna Seeton has a clear view of the action.
The retired teacher stands on a public road, dutifully recording on paper and with a video camera the license plates of participants, the numbers of birds used, and how the injured birds are treated before they are destroyed.
This has been Seeton's weekend routine for 20 years.
"I guess I'm obsessed," she said. "But I figure if I have the documentation, no one can say it's hearsay."
After each round, a flock of teenagers, called "trappers," is dispatched with sacks to pick up the injured and dead birds. They disappear into a small lean-to. Typically, the injured birds are disposed of by breaking their necks or ripping their heads off.
Seeton goes out to comb the countryside to try to rescue the wounded the next day. She has brought scores of badly injured birds to vets, where most are euthanized.
"I feel like I'm cleaning up their mess," Seeton said of the shoot organizers.
Bailey claims he picks up birds from the perimeter of the rings and disposes of them. Birds that go farther afield are "taken care of by hawks," he said.
Pigeon shoots have been held in Pennsylvania since before the Civil War. It was a notorious Schuylkill County shoot that put pigeon shooting on the national radar in the 1980s. The annual fund-raiser in the town of Hegins drew as many as 10,000 people to its Roman circus-like atmosphere.
Animal-welfare advocates set up triage tents for the wounded birds. In 1993, mounted state troopers wielding tear gas arrested 114 protesters.
In 1999, amid a court battle with an animal-rights group, the shoot was canceled by its organizers.
"Most people now think the shoots are over," Seeton said.
But they continue to be held almost every weekend from September through February in other Pennsylvania clubs. At least 22 shoots were held in the last year, according to a schedule assembled by the Humane Society.
It's unclear exactly where the pigeons come from.
The pigeon broker and shoot organizer Bailey told a New York Times reporter in 2004 that he paid farm boys to collect pigeons from barns, but that he had heard of people taking birds from the streets of Philadelphia and New York.
The Humane Society alleges a large number continue to be brought in from New York City, where residents have reported witnessing people throwing nets over pigeons and whisking them away in vehicles.
With the clubs on the defensive, access to their shoots has become limited.
At the Pike Township club, where roughly 20 shooters showed up on a recent Sunday morning, a cluster of participants turned their backs on a reporter trying to ask questions.
Participants pay high fees - at Strausstown they start at $270, plus $7 for practice pigeons - for purses as small as $20. At the big events, winners can take home as much as $4,000. But the Humane Society's Prescott believes those purses represent a fraction of the real stakes - tens of thousands of dollars wagered under the table - at some events.
Leary, of the Strausstown club, said that the shoots' attraction was "gambling pure and simple."
Enthusiasts press on despite bad rap.
By Amy Worden
Inquirer Staff Writer
Find this article at: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20071205_Critics_still_take_aim_at_Pa__pigeon_shoots.html
PIKEVILLE, Pa. - At the cry of "Pull!" a pigeon is catapulted from a small spring-loaded metal box in the middle of a field at the Pike Township Sportsmen's Club. A shooter poised 30 yards away with a shotgun fires, sending the gray and white bird plummeting to the ground.
Over and over for two hours scores of live pigeons are launched into the air as shooters vie to kill the most birds and take home the prize money.
Some birds are killed instantly. Others land wounded, flapping helplessly on injured wings. The lucky ones escape and cluster in nearby trees and rooftops.
This is the scene at the Pike Township Sportsmen's Club, 56 miles northwest of Philadelphia, where Sunday pigeon shoots are a longtime tradition. Fewer than a half-dozen gun clubs - most of them in Berks County - still stage shoots in the state. Pennsylvania is one of two states where the events are legal, but the only one where the shoots are still being held.
Under fire from lawsuits, bad publicity and hostile legislation, the clubs operate in near secrecy. They do not advertise their shoots, nor are they open to the public. Efforts by a reporter to talk to participants at one recent pigeon shoot were rebuffed.
The Humane Society of the United States has been trying to end pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania since the mid-1980s. It has filed lawsuits on animal-cruelty allegations and pushed bills to ban the shoots in every legislative session without success.
The group argues the unregulated shoots are cruel because so many birds are slaughtered at close range and the injured suffer needlessly. The injured that fall inside the rings have their heads snapped off by ring crew members and those that fly away injured, critics say, languish in pain for hours or days before dying.
But they also contend that the shoots, like dog fights, are rife with other kinds of illegal activity occurring across multiple states in the region: trapping birds in New York City, transporting animals across state lines, tax fraud and gambling.
"Animal cruelty alone should be enough to shut down this practice, but there are many other compelling reasons as well," said Heidi Prescott, vice president for the Humane Society. "Our intelligence about the sordid and secretive pigeon-shoot circuit highlights the similarity to dogfighting and cockfighting in terms of the extent of gambling and illegal animal trafficking."
Officials at three gun clubs contacted by The Inquirer did not return calls seeking comment. An official reached at the Strausstown Gun Club, where pigeon shoots are held seven times a year, said he was not involved.
"I don't approve of them, but I don't condemn them," said Tom Leary, vice president of the club.
Don Bailey of Strausstown, who organizes shoots and provides pigeons at the Strausstown club and elsewhere, said he viewed the events as an effective way to get rid of vermin. "We kill pigeons," said Bailey. "What do you think they do when they poison birds in Philadelphia?"
Monitoring the Action
From her perch a few hundred yards away from the shooting rings, humane officer Johnna Seeton has a clear view of the action.
The retired teacher stands on a public road, dutifully recording on paper and with a video camera the license plates of participants, the numbers of birds used, and how the injured birds are treated before they are destroyed.
This has been Seeton's weekend routine for 20 years.
"I guess I'm obsessed," she said. "But I figure if I have the documentation, no one can say it's hearsay."
After each round, a flock of teenagers, called "trappers," is dispatched with sacks to pick up the injured and dead birds. They disappear into a small lean-to. Typically, the injured birds are disposed of by breaking their necks or ripping their heads off.
Seeton goes out to comb the countryside to try to rescue the wounded the next day. She has brought scores of badly injured birds to vets, where most are euthanized.
"I feel like I'm cleaning up their mess," Seeton said of the shoot organizers.
Bailey claims he picks up birds from the perimeter of the rings and disposes of them. Birds that go farther afield are "taken care of by hawks," he said.
Pigeon shoots have been held in Pennsylvania since before the Civil War. It was a notorious Schuylkill County shoot that put pigeon shooting on the national radar in the 1980s. The annual fund-raiser in the town of Hegins drew as many as 10,000 people to its Roman circus-like atmosphere.
Animal-welfare advocates set up triage tents for the wounded birds. In 1993, mounted state troopers wielding tear gas arrested 114 protesters.
In 1999, amid a court battle with an animal-rights group, the shoot was canceled by its organizers.
"Most people now think the shoots are over," Seeton said.
But they continue to be held almost every weekend from September through February in other Pennsylvania clubs. At least 22 shoots were held in the last year, according to a schedule assembled by the Humane Society.
It's unclear exactly where the pigeons come from.
The pigeon broker and shoot organizer Bailey told a New York Times reporter in 2004 that he paid farm boys to collect pigeons from barns, but that he had heard of people taking birds from the streets of Philadelphia and New York.
The Humane Society alleges a large number continue to be brought in from New York City, where residents have reported witnessing people throwing nets over pigeons and whisking them away in vehicles.
With the clubs on the defensive, access to their shoots has become limited.
At the Pike Township club, where roughly 20 shooters showed up on a recent Sunday morning, a cluster of participants turned their backs on a reporter trying to ask questions.
Participants pay high fees - at Strausstown they start at $270, plus $7 for practice pigeons - for purses as small as $20. At the big events, winners can take home as much as $4,000. But the Humane Society's Prescott believes those purses represent a fraction of the real stakes - tens of thousands of dollars wagered under the table - at some events.
Leary, of the Strausstown club, said that the shoots' attraction was "gambling pure and simple."
Is It Hunting?
Many hunters say pigeon shoots are cruel and not a legitimate form of hunting. Game Commission officials say that leaving behind a wounded animal violates the state game law.
The commission has not taken a position on the shoots or gotten involved because pigeons are not classified as wildlife, said spokesman Jerry Feaser.
But he said the pigeon shoots are "not what we would classify as fair-chase hunting."
David Kozloff, a Wyomissing lawyer who is representing the Pike Township club in a suit filed by Seeton, said he didn't see the difference between pigeon shoots and hunting in the field.
"Isn't the end result the same?" he said.
Sen. Patrick Browne (R., Lehigh), the sponsor of the latest version of the pigeon shoot bill, is still confident he has the support to pass the bill. (A companion bill has been introduced in the House.)
Many hunters say pigeon shoots are cruel and not a legitimate form of hunting. Game Commission officials say that leaving behind a wounded animal violates the state game law.
The commission has not taken a position on the shoots or gotten involved because pigeons are not classified as wildlife, said spokesman Jerry Feaser.
But he said the pigeon shoots are "not what we would classify as fair-chase hunting."
David Kozloff, a Wyomissing lawyer who is representing the Pike Township club in a suit filed by Seeton, said he didn't see the difference between pigeon shoots and hunting in the field.
"Isn't the end result the same?" he said.
Sen. Patrick Browne (R., Lehigh), the sponsor of the latest version of the pigeon shoot bill, is still confident he has the support to pass the bill. (A companion bill has been introduced in the House.)
"I think in terms of the issue of a balance between the hunters and the cruelty to animals, this is something that breaches that," Browne said. "Traditional sportsmen find it offensive, and a large majority of Pennsylvanians agree."
Contact staff writer Amy Worden at 717-783-2584 or aworden@phillynews.com
Reference: Humane Society of Berks County
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Unlawful Pigeon Nettings Continue as New York City Does Nothing
For the past several months the New York Bird Club has been concerned with the matter of pigeon nettings in the New York City area.
Hungry pigeons are baited with food, netted and dumped into a van and then allegedly sold to out of state pigeon shoots and restaurants as fare for the menu.
The Humane Society of the US in Washington, DC has been working on the Hegins pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania for years. Pennsylvania is the last state to allow the cruel practice of pigeon shoots to continue.
Although the public has expressed sympathy, outrage and concern for pigeons and there have been eye witnesses, to date the New York Bird Club has not received any tangible information to turn over to the District Attorney's office who have expressed an interest in the situation. Several persons have attempted to file complaints with the New York Police Department, but they refused to cooperate and Incident Reports were not taken.
The New York Bird Club contacted the Civilian Complaint Revue Board to file a complaint against the New York City Police Department, but they would not accept it. Once we can establish precisely what the law is concerning removing pigeons from their habitat, we will be standing on firmer ground.
Laws concerning pigeons are ambiguous and difficult to find since pigeons are not considered native wildlife, and laws that protect wildlife do not apply to pigeons since they are not indigenous to the United States. Government agencies we should be concerned with are New York City Department of Agriculture and Market, the Department of Environment Conservation and the New York City Department of Health.
The following statutes may apply.
21 NYCRR § 9003.12 (2007)§ 9003.12 Park animals.No person shall within any park molest, chase, wound, trap, hunt, shoot, throw missiles at, kill, remove or have in his possession any undomesticated animal, or any significant portion of the remains of any domesticated or undomesticated animal, or any nest, or the young of any undomesticated animal or the egg(s) of any undomesticated animal; or knowingly buy, receive, have in his possession, sell or give away any such undomesticated animal or egg taken from or killed within any park.
21 NYCRR § 9003.12 (2007)§ 9003.12 Park animals.No person shall within any park molest, chase, wound, trap, hunt, shoot, throw missiles at, kill, remove or have in his possession any undomesticated animal, or any significant portion of the remains of any domesticated or undomesticated animal, or any nest, or the young of any undomesticated animal or the egg(s) of any undomesticated animal; or knowingly buy, receive, have in his possession, sell or give away any such undomesticated animal or egg taken from or killed within any park.
There are multiple statutes that protect pigeons.
New York Agricultural and Markets Law ("Ag & Mkts Law") section 353-a protects pigeons from aggravated cruelty. Ag & Mkts Law section 353 provides that anyone who beats a pigeon (or other animal) or causes it to be deprived of necessary food or drink, among other acts, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
New York Agricultural and Markets Law ("Ag & Mkts Law") section 353-a protects pigeons from aggravated cruelty. Ag & Mkts Law section 353 provides that anyone who beats a pigeon (or other animal) or causes it to be deprived of necessary food or drink, among other acts, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Ag & Mkts Law section 362 provides that throwing a substance at a pigeon (or other animal) to willfully injure it is punishable by imprisonment of up to a year, a fine of up to $1,000 or both.
NYS Environmental law § 11-0513. Pigeons.
1. No person shall at any time, by any means or in any manner capture, kill or attempt to capture or kill any Antwerp or homing pigeon, wearing a ring or seamless leg band with its registered number stamped thereon; nor shall any person remove such mark. No person except the lawful owner shall detain, possess, or transport Antwerp or homing pigeons wearing a ring or seamless leg band with the registered number thereon.
1. No person shall at any time, by any means or in any manner capture, kill or attempt to capture or kill any Antwerp or homing pigeon, wearing a ring or seamless leg band with its registered number stamped thereon; nor shall any person remove such mark. No person except the lawful owner shall detain, possess, or transport Antwerp or homing pigeons wearing a ring or seamless leg band with the registered number thereon.
2. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the local legislative body of any city, town or village, or in the city of New York the Department of Health may take or issue a permit to any person to take pigeons at any time and in any humane manner in such municipality, whenever such body or administration finds that pigeons within such municipality are or may become a menace to public health or a public nuisance; provided, however, that no pigeon may be taken in a manner which will endanger other animal life, persons or property.
New York State Department of Environmental and Conservation Law states that all birds are entitled to protection afforded by §11-1101(1), and that this protection is also afforded to pigeons. This was conceded by the Division of Legal Affairs at NYS-DEC Albany, in a Petition For Declaratory Ruling settlement in June 2005.
Only a coward would shoot down a defenseless bird weighing but a few ounces with no means of escape for their amusement and egos. If you would like to put an end to the cruel matter of netting pigeons, please contact the New York Bird Club.
Summary:
Pigeon nettings in the New York City area are becoming more aggressive and frequent. Netters working in a pair start before sunrise netting in Manhattan, the five boroughs and beyond. They have been seen in brand new SUVs, and since it is a cash-only business with no taxes paid, this appears to be a lucrative business.
Pigeons are sold to out of state shooting galleries and restaurants.
Although it is against the law to remove pigeons from their habitat, no one has stopped the netters from doing so.
Although it is against the law to remove pigeons from their habitat, no one has stopped the netters from doing so.
The public may be eating pigeon meat as it unknowingly may be substituted for quail, chicken or other meat products.
Only the New York City Board of Health has the authority to remove pigeons, or a permit or license is required from them.
If you care about pigeons and justice, please contact the Mayor of New York City and demand that the appropriate action be taken.
From In Defense of Animals
New York, N.Y.
July 24, 2007
July 24, 2007
International animal protection organization In Defense of Animals (IDA) is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally netting, capturing, and killing pigeons in New York City."Reports of large numbers of pigeons being netted in New York City have grown over the last year," said IDA's East Coast Director, Valerie Sicignano. "IDA is offering a $2,500 reward in the hope of turning up evidence that will identify the offender(s). We suspect that the majority of birds are being transported out of state for canned hunts in a neighboring state and that a smaller number may be for human consumption.
Emails mentioning a concern about bird flu are false - Pigeons do not transmit bird flu. If the Avian Flu does reach New York, New Yorkers will have to be concerned about catching it from other humans - not from the birds," added Sicignano.
To Report a Bird Netting in New York City: (edited by NY Bird Club on 03/09/2008)
1) Contact the New York Bird Club: luciedove@yahoo.com
2) Call New York City Humane Law Enforcement at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450 and file a report using the information you gathered on the form.
3) Next, Call NYS-DEC District 2 at (718) 482-4885 and file a 2nd report using the information that you gathered on the form.
4) To register for the Reward offered by IDA, mail a photocopy of your completed form to:
Valerie Sicignano
In Defense of Animals
3010 Kerner Blvd.San Rafael, CA 94902
3010 Kerner Blvd.San Rafael, CA 94902
New Yorkers Love Pigeons!
The response from people who are concerned about pigeon poaching in NYC has been overwhelming! New Yorkers love these birds and we're not surprised given that the city even has a "Pigeon Registry" where people can name a pigeon after someone just like the Star Registries where you can name a star after someone.
To Name a Pigeon After Someone You Love:
Visit the Pigeon Registry started by Kerry Lea, IDA volunteer and Director of the world famous Veg Kids, at http://www.thepigeonregistry.com/
Recommended Reading:
PIGEONS: The Fascinating Saga of the World's Most Revered and Reviled Bird by Andrew Blechman.
Discussions:
Press Release:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/07/prweb539172.htm
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/07/prweb539172.htm
Correspondence Sent to Group (9/22/07):
Just a note to stay in touch concerning the pigeon nettings.A few weeks ago, I was contacted by someone through our blog who witnessed a pigeon netting. She managed to get a picture of the criminal - only his back was photographed, but a picture of the van and license plate number was taken, and I sent this to Bill Dunn of the ASPCA and the D.A. office, but have not heard further.
Some disturbing news was sent to us, but cannot share until I get specifics; however, please be aware of PICAS - Pigeon Control, that I have reason to believe is being implemented in our city by government agencies. Pigeons do not have an easy life, as you can see by their scrawny appearance and apparent hunger. Some people believe it is better to eradicate them than to let them live a life of misery. I have seen pigeons in the park sunning and enjoying life, and the NY Bird Club is against intentionally killing healthy birds. However, this is an area open for debate and we should keep an open mind to this sensitive issue.
Thank you for caring about pigeons....we are a small group but are growing as more people learn about what beautiful and sweet birds they are.
9/27/07:
I have had this in my mailbox for close to a month now, and have put off sharing for reasons that I think are obvious; however, I see the investigation of apprehending the poachers/hunters/netters is stymied, and this may be some explanation as to why nothing is being done and the netters have free reign to do as they please.
Please know that the source of the email is reliable. Personally in my opinion, apprehending the netters is not a top priority with any agency or organization and perhaps it may be welcomed, cruel as it seems. Again, this is only my opinion; the email is real.
"This week Tuesday I was buying a used book at a stand in front of a Beauty Salon on 812 West 181 Street, that is in Manhattan (upper) by Fort Washington ave. The person that was selling the books told one of the men standing outside of the Beauty Parlor 'Give that pigeon some food' as he was eating a sandwich, so he threw the pigeon a piece of bread. I remarked that he was very kind. He then proceeded to tell me that the one pigeon that was there was the only survivor. He told me that a truck pulled up last week and threw out a net and took all the pigeons away directly across the street. I asked him if he remembered the license or if he could describe the car. He told me it was an ASPCA truck. I was shocked!
Can it be that we are complaining to an organization that is looking to cut down on the amount of pigeons in the city and periodically goes around and collects pigeons. THEY DON'T TAKE THEM TO THE COUNTRY FOR A BETTER LIFE. I was nieve when I witnessed my first bird netting. I believe the man's name is Victor and he sells used paperbacks at that location. He likes pigeons and shares when he is eating. What can you do?I am not an eyewitness to the crime, but I know the writer to be reliable."
What Can Be Done:
Most of the pigeons being netted are crossing state lines into Pennsylvania, the last state where it is still LEGAL to shoot pigeons in shoots. Pennsylvania is the state of hunters and pigeon shoots, a state where "real men" go for "entertainment".Pennsylvania - state of the wimps and cowards.Please contact all of the government officials on this link whichever way you choose and ask them anyway you choose, to please MAKE PIGEON SHOOTS ILLEGAL! Any way you can get the word out to ask people not to visit this state and not to do business there would help all animals that are hunted down in cold blood. Government is cruel, unprincipled and immoral.
Most of the pigeons being netted are crossing state lines into Pennsylvania, the last state where it is still LEGAL to shoot pigeons in shoots. Pennsylvania is the state of hunters and pigeon shoots, a state where "real men" go for "entertainment".Pennsylvania - state of the wimps and cowards.Please contact all of the government officials on this link whichever way you choose and ask them anyway you choose, to please MAKE PIGEON SHOOTS ILLEGAL! Any way you can get the word out to ask people not to visit this state and not to do business there would help all animals that are hunted down in cold blood. Government is cruel, unprincipled and immoral.
Without pigeon shoots in PA, the nettings will dramatically decrease in frequency or even be given up.http://www.governor.state.pa.us/governor/cwp/view.asp?a=1117&q=437853&governorNav=
What's At Stake?
Pennsylvania: Stop Pigeon Shoots
Pennsylvania: Stop Pigeon Shoots
Pennsylvania is one of the last states to practice these outdated events in which shooters kill thousands of pigeons for prizes or cash. Tame pigeons are stockpiled for months prior to a pigeon shoot. Obtained on the sly, the birds are typically kept in packed cages and arrive at the shoot malnourished and dehydrated. At the shoot, the birds are usually released one at a time from traps. As the disoriented birds leave the box, waiting shooters fire rounds of shells at the animals. More than 70 percent of the pigeons are not killed outright, but fall to the ground wounded. In past shoots, children called "trapper boys" then took to the fields to rip the heads off of wounded pigeons, and slam others against the ground.Thousands of dollars exchange hands during these events, with prizes being awarded for the most birds killed. The Pennsylvania pigeon shoot circuit attracts out-of-state extremists looking to target animals for kicks. Since almost every other state prohibits pigeon shoots, these shooters come to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania has a long, controversial history of battling pigeon shoots. In 1999, the infamous Hegins Pigeon shoot in Schuylkill County ended after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court unanimously ruled that humane officers could prosecute shoot participants for animal cruelty. The opinion issued by the court characterized pigeon shoots as "cruel and moronic." Now, only a handful of floundering shoots serve as reminders that the fight to end the wanton and wasteful events is not yet over.
Please urge your Pennsylvania representative to stop pigeon shoots in your state.
https://community.hsus.org/campaign/PA_2007_pigeons3
http://www.hsus.org/hunt/news/making_pigeon_shoots_history_092007.html
https://community.hsus.org/campaign/PA_2007_pigeons3
http://www.hsus.org/hunt/news/making_pigeon_shoots_history_092007.html
New York State law:
New York Agricultural and Markets Law ("Ag & Mkts Law")Section 353-a protects pigeons from aggravated cruelty.Provides that anyone who beats a pigeon (or any other animal) or causes it to be deprived of necessary food or drink, among other acts, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Section 362 provides that throwing a substance at a pigeon to willfully injure it is punishable by imprisonment of up to a year, a fine of up to $1,000 or both.
New York Times Article
New York Times Article
Wing and a PrayerA
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/nyregion/thecity/28pige.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
By WYNNE PARRY
Published: October 28, 2007
WHEN Eduardo Urbina’s pet pigeon disappeared from his apartment in Spanish Harlem three summers ago, he suspected something nefarious.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/nyregion/thecity/28pige.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
By WYNNE PARRY
Published: October 28, 2007
WHEN Eduardo Urbina’s pet pigeon disappeared from his apartment in Spanish Harlem three summers ago, he suspected something nefarious.
Mr. Urbina, a street vendor who sells hats and watches along Third Avenue in the East 80s, recalled having seen a burly man with dreadlocks scooping live pigeons off Third Avenue with a fishing net, then depositing them into the back of his van.
Mr. Urbina, who knows that pigeons are not in the habit of wandering off on their own, says he believed that the man with the dreadlocks had taken his bird.In a town where pigeons have long been relegated to the status of pest, Mr. Urbina is part of a loose cadre of New Yorkers who see the birds as gentle, misunderstood creatures worthy of protection from human cruelty and indifference.
The problem of pigeon netting has continued unabated, and over the summer, organizations like the Wild Bird Fund, a local group, and In Defense of Animals, based in California, offered thousands of dollars in rewards for information leading to the arrest of netters, as the bird-nappers are known. A few months ago, an official of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals met with local pigeon protectors to discuss effective ways to address their complaints.
But Mr. Urbina worked alone.
He had been given this pigeon by a building superintendent when the bird was still tufted in yellow baby fuzz. He raised it to adulthood inside his apartment, feeding it seed through a straw and, later, from a dish, then released the pigeon outdoors — a routine he has followed with other rescued birds. Even so, the pigeon returned every morning through his apartment window for breakfast. One day, it did not.
“I loved that animal,” said Mr. Urbina, a soft-spoken 60-year-old who immigrated to New York 28 years ago from Peru. “So beautiful. So smart.”He had heard rumors that netters lure the birds with food, then spirit them away to mysterious destinations.
Many bird lovers believe that the pigeons become living targets at private gun clubs in Pennsylvania. Others say they end up in voodoo ceremonies, in the hands of pigeon breeders, at live poultry markets where they are sold for human consumption or at restaurants, particularly in Chinatown.
And while catching wild birds like pigeons on the street is a violation of state environmental law, one New York police sergeant said that as a practical matter, enforcement is a low priority. After Mr. Urbina’s pigeon vanished, he set up his own sting operation at Third Avenue and 103rd Street, near his apartment.
A bakery on the corner discarded large bags of old bread that attract flocks of birds, and Mr. Urbina suspected that the birds would in turn attract the netter. Every morning for two months, he waited on the corner from 6 until after 7, his camera in hand. According to Mr. Urbina’s account of what happened next, early one morning in late August, he finally saw his target driving north in a white truck. Along the way, the man would stop to park the truck, climb out and go after his prey with a long-handled net. Mr. Urbina pursued him, snapping photos as he went.
AFTER the netter sped off, Mr. Urbina hailed a taxi and sped north for six blocks, where he saw the netter scooping up more birds. Mr. Urbina leaped from the taxi and took photos of the truck, on the bed of which rested a portable pigeon coop. Turning away from the birds, the netter approached Mr. Urbina from behind, snatched his camera and drove off.
At this point, a police officer named Jon Stueckenschneider entered the case.“I always refer to this case as my great pigeon caper,” said Sergeant Stueckenschneider, who at the time was an officer with a detective unit at the 23rd Precinct station house on East 102nd Street. He had been assigned to the case to investigate not the netting but the theft of Mr. Urbina’s camera.The officer’s search for the thief ended the following February, when he got a call from police officers in the Bronx who had found the man in question.
Subsequently, according to court records, a man named Dwayne Daley, now 49, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property and was sentenced to the day he had spent in police custody. According to Mr. Daley — who identified himself in a telephone voice message as “the birdman” — the case was dismissed.“
My take on Dwayne Daley is he just wants to do his thing,” Sergeant Stueckenschneider said. “He might have felt Eduardo was invading his space by taking pictures.”
In a telephone interview, Mr. Daley said he had been fascinated by pigeons ever since he was a child trapping them in shoeboxes in Brownsville and East New York, the Brooklyn neighborhoods where he grew up. He now lives in Bushkill, Pa., near the Delaware Water Gap, where he keeps hundreds of birds, but he occasionally visits New York. He uses the birds he nets to interbreed with his own birds, he said, or sell at auction, where some can fetch more than $100.“It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong with them,” Mr. Daley added. In his opinion, it is the birds’ defenders who do the real harm, by giving the creatures food that is meant for humans and that subsequently attracts rats.
Mr. Urbina never again set eyes on his 6-month-old pigeon, which he had named January, after the month he adopted it. But he did get back his camera, along with copies of the photographs he had taken. Exactly who had made the copies is unclear, but the final image showed Mr. Daley in the driver’s seat of his cab, wearing sunglasses and a half-smile.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reward Offered for Exposing Cruelty at Live Pigeon Shoots
(October 29, 2007) —
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons committing acts of cruelty to animals before, during and after live pigeon shoots.The HSUS is seeking information about instances of cruelty during the shoots, as well as information pertaining to the illegal trafficking of pigeons across state lines to supply shoots, and illegal gambling occurring at events.“It’s time to expose the seedy cruelty that occurs almost every weekend in Pennsylvania during live pigeon shoots,” stated Heidi Prescott , HSUS senior vice president of campaigns, “We encourage anyone with information related to supplying birds, gambling, or specific acts of cruelty occurring at shoots to come forward.”
Individuals with information may call the toll-free live pigeon shoot tip line at 1-800-637-4124.
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 during the fall and winter primarily in Pennsylvania . Although an underground, illegal pigeon shoot circuit exists, Pennsylvania is the last state where live pigeon shoots knowingly, regularly occur. 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.In past shoots, seventy 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.
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 during the fall and winter primarily in Pennsylvania . Although an underground, illegal pigeon shoot circuit exists, Pennsylvania is the last state where live pigeon shoots knowingly, regularly occur. 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.In past shoots, seventy 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.
Visit www.humanesociety.org/ hunt for more information.
The HSUS Contacts:
Jordan Crump, phone: 901-581-5666
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 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 http://www.humanesociety.org/.
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
Councilman Wants Birth Control for Pigeons 11/02/2007
Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty --
On the web at http://www.humanesociety.org/.
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
Councilman Wants Birth Control for Pigeons 11/02/2007
Related:
Pigeon Nettings
Pigeon Nettings
(reference: Tales & Tails of New York):
It is beyond comprehension how anyone could complain about the number of pigeons now in New York City.
In the above (emphasis supplied) essay, it states that thousands of pigeons are being netted weekly in NYC and sent to Pennsylvania gun clubs where they are used as "targets."With this kind of continued and unabetted cruelty and assault on our urban population of birds, it won't take long for pigeons to go the way of the Do Do bird. Already, the pigeon population in Manhattan has been severely decimated. In another 5 years or so, there won't be any.
Pigeon Nettings
Pigeon Nettings
(reference: Tales & Tails of New York):
It is beyond comprehension how anyone could complain about the number of pigeons now in New York City.
In the above (emphasis supplied) essay, it states that thousands of pigeons are being netted weekly in NYC and sent to Pennsylvania gun clubs where they are used as "targets."With this kind of continued and unabetted cruelty and assault on our urban population of birds, it won't take long for pigeons to go the way of the Do Do bird. Already, the pigeon population in Manhattan has been severely decimated. In another 5 years or so, there won't be any.
About 8 or 9 months ago, I yelled at two men netting pigeons on the corner of Lexington Avenue in the East 80's. Although there were many people around, NO ONE assisted me in trying to stop these men. I got the licence number of the car they threw the pigeons into and reported it to the ASPCA. The ASPCA never even returned my call.Small wonder the men conducting this henious deed every day have NO FEAR to do it out in the open and even in front of crowds of people. They certainly have no fear of the ASPCA.
The ASPCA is no friend to the animals in allowing -- and tacitly supporting this kind of blatent cruelty to animals. Anyone supporting the ASPCA should no longer do so and let them know WHY. -- PCA
The ASPCA is no friend to the animals in allowing -- and tacitly supporting this kind of blatent cruelty to animals. Anyone supporting the ASPCA should no longer do so and let them know WHY. -- PCA
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Gun Lovers & City Leaders Driving NYC Pigeons to Extinction
Andrew Blechman op-ed on pigeon feeding ban in New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/opinion/nyregionopinions/25CIblechman.html
November 25, 2007
Op-Ed Contributor
By ANDREW D. BLECHMAN
WHILE a proposal by Councilman Simcha Felder, a Democrat from Brooklyn,to ban the feeding of pigeons in New York City - and fine the violators- may speak to those who detest the humble rock dove, the proposition itself is sadly misguided.
Not only is the measure difficult to enforce - who wants to ticket toddlers and grandparents? - it skirts the real issue. While overfeeding does lead to overbreeding, the city's alleged overpopulation of pigeons has little to do with casual park bench encounters.
It has a lot more to do with the amount of litter we leave behind. It's important to remember that pigeons basically subsist on the food we drop. Pizza crusts, doughnuts, bagels, hot pretzels - sadly, these arethe cornerstones of many a modern pigeon's diet, instead of the seedsand grains they should be eating. The city can install trashcans that leak less garbage, as Mr. Felder suggests, but New Yorkers need to actually use them.
The other problem has to do with compulsive overfeeders. Every city has them. New York probably has a couple of dozen - or two - of them. These are the people who disperse 50 to 100 pounds of feed every day. They are generally eccentric loners who view flocks of pigeons as their friends-and their responsibility.
These people will continue to feed pigeons no matter what. If need be,they'll do it under the cover of darkness. The only way to handlehabitual overfeeders is to identify them, befriend them and urge them to stop. The city can also establish designated areas for feeding. For example, urban dovecotes, where weekly egg culling retards population growth, are a perfect place to encourage bird feeders.
If New York is truly concerned about harnessing its pigeon population,then a comprehensive and coordinated strategy is needed, and there are a number of national animal-rights groups that can help. Such an effort would include controlled breeding in urban dovecotes, increased deterrent measures like netting and possibly feedlaced with birth control drugs. Most important, the public must be thoroughly educated about the hazards of overfeeding, which harms everyone, pigeons included. (Overbreeding stresses the pigeon population and can lead to starvation.)
To be sure, Councilman Felder suggested some of these measures in his report to the City Council, but the question remains: Are pigeons reallythe problem? Like all living creatures, pigeons defecate. If that's a crime, then perhaps we should target squirrels for filching the city's acorns. Or instead, maybe we should celebrate the wildlife that is thankfully still in our midst.
Pigeons, squirrels, sparrows and the like animate our often-drab urbanvista and give us something natural to marvel at. Indeed, Cornell University runs Project PigeonWatch, which encourages the city's school children to study pigeons as an introduction to the wonders of urban wildlife.
Moreover, pigeons pose little to no threat to human health. Their modern-day reputation as filthy disease carriers is unwarranted. Nor are they stupid. In addition to their heroic history and unparalleled athleticism, pigeons are among the most intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom. They mate for life and are wonderful parents as well.
And if you happen to appreciate pigeons, you are in good company. The Queen of England, Paul Newman and Mike Tyson are all pigeon fanciers.
Unfortunately, an irrational hatred of pigeons has led to their daily abuse. In addition to the use of poisons and caustic gels by landlordsto drive away birds, thousands of pigeons are poached weekly from citystreets and taken to Pennsylvania gun clubs where they are used as target fodder in lieu of clay pigeons. This brutal practice has been brought to the city's attention, but to no avail. After all, they're just pigeons....
It's true that wildlife can be inconvenient; nobody enjoys a windowledge or car hood splattered with excrement. But that doesn't mean we should persecute the animals in our midst, let alone those New Yorkers who appreciate and care for them. Councilman Felder's policy is flawed precisely because it fails to see this reality.
Andrew D. Blechman is the author of "Pigeons: The Fascinating Saga ofthe World's Most Revered and Reviled Bird."
Interested in taking action online to help animals? Then join our online community! Go to: https://community.hsus.org/humane/join
Personal Comment (Tales & Tails of New York):
It is beyond comprehension how anyone could complain about the number of pigeons now in New York City.
In the above (emphasis supplied) essay, it states that thousands of pigeons are being netted weekly in NYC and sent to Pennsylvania gun clubs where they are used as "targets."
With this kind of continued and unabetted cruelty and assault on our urban population of birds, it won't take long for pigeons to go the way of the Do Do bird.
Already, the pigeon population in Manhattan has been severely decimated.
In another 5 years or so, there won't be any.
About 8 or 9 months ago, I yelled at two men netting pigeons on the corner of Lexington Avenue in the East 80's. Although there were many people around, NO ONE assisted me in trying to stop these men. I got the licence number of the car they threw the pigeons into and reported it to the ASPCA. The ASPCA never even returned my call.
Small wonder the men conducting this henious deed every day have NO FEAR to do it out in the open and even in front of crowds of people. They certainly have no fear of the ASPCA.
The ASPCA is no friend to the animals in allowing -- and tacitly supporting this kind of blatent cruelty to animals.
Anyone supporting the ASPCA should no longer do so and let them know WHY. -- PCA
Related:
Councilman Wants Birth Control for Pigeons
A councilman has a unique solution to reducing the pigeon population at the Staten Island ferry terminals: Put them on birth control.
Councilman James Odd says OvoControl-P, a drug that renders pigeon eggs unhatchable, could help to thin out the pesky birds and thus the droppings they leave behind inside the terminals where they like to nest.
Oddo says the drug - which would be mixed into standard seed - has not yet been approved for pigeons by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. A similar product meant for geese was given the OK last month.
Information from: Staten Island Advance
November 25, 2007
Op-Ed Contributor
By ANDREW D. BLECHMAN
WHILE a proposal by Councilman Simcha Felder, a Democrat from Brooklyn,to ban the feeding of pigeons in New York City - and fine the violators- may speak to those who detest the humble rock dove, the proposition itself is sadly misguided.
Not only is the measure difficult to enforce - who wants to ticket toddlers and grandparents? - it skirts the real issue. While overfeeding does lead to overbreeding, the city's alleged overpopulation of pigeons has little to do with casual park bench encounters.
It has a lot more to do with the amount of litter we leave behind. It's important to remember that pigeons basically subsist on the food we drop. Pizza crusts, doughnuts, bagels, hot pretzels - sadly, these arethe cornerstones of many a modern pigeon's diet, instead of the seedsand grains they should be eating. The city can install trashcans that leak less garbage, as Mr. Felder suggests, but New Yorkers need to actually use them.
The other problem has to do with compulsive overfeeders. Every city has them. New York probably has a couple of dozen - or two - of them. These are the people who disperse 50 to 100 pounds of feed every day. They are generally eccentric loners who view flocks of pigeons as their friends-and their responsibility.
These people will continue to feed pigeons no matter what. If need be,they'll do it under the cover of darkness. The only way to handlehabitual overfeeders is to identify them, befriend them and urge them to stop. The city can also establish designated areas for feeding. For example, urban dovecotes, where weekly egg culling retards population growth, are a perfect place to encourage bird feeders.
If New York is truly concerned about harnessing its pigeon population,then a comprehensive and coordinated strategy is needed, and there are a number of national animal-rights groups that can help. Such an effort would include controlled breeding in urban dovecotes, increased deterrent measures like netting and possibly feedlaced with birth control drugs. Most important, the public must be thoroughly educated about the hazards of overfeeding, which harms everyone, pigeons included. (Overbreeding stresses the pigeon population and can lead to starvation.)
To be sure, Councilman Felder suggested some of these measures in his report to the City Council, but the question remains: Are pigeons reallythe problem? Like all living creatures, pigeons defecate. If that's a crime, then perhaps we should target squirrels for filching the city's acorns. Or instead, maybe we should celebrate the wildlife that is thankfully still in our midst.
Pigeons, squirrels, sparrows and the like animate our often-drab urbanvista and give us something natural to marvel at. Indeed, Cornell University runs Project PigeonWatch, which encourages the city's school children to study pigeons as an introduction to the wonders of urban wildlife.
Moreover, pigeons pose little to no threat to human health. Their modern-day reputation as filthy disease carriers is unwarranted. Nor are they stupid. In addition to their heroic history and unparalleled athleticism, pigeons are among the most intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom. They mate for life and are wonderful parents as well.
And if you happen to appreciate pigeons, you are in good company. The Queen of England, Paul Newman and Mike Tyson are all pigeon fanciers.
Unfortunately, an irrational hatred of pigeons has led to their daily abuse. In addition to the use of poisons and caustic gels by landlordsto drive away birds, thousands of pigeons are poached weekly from citystreets and taken to Pennsylvania gun clubs where they are used as target fodder in lieu of clay pigeons. This brutal practice has been brought to the city's attention, but to no avail. After all, they're just pigeons....
It's true that wildlife can be inconvenient; nobody enjoys a windowledge or car hood splattered with excrement. But that doesn't mean we should persecute the animals in our midst, let alone those New Yorkers who appreciate and care for them. Councilman Felder's policy is flawed precisely because it fails to see this reality.
Andrew D. Blechman is the author of "Pigeons: The Fascinating Saga ofthe World's Most Revered and Reviled Bird."
Interested in taking action online to help animals? Then join our online community! Go to: https://community.hsus.org/humane/join
Personal Comment (Tales & Tails of New York):
It is beyond comprehension how anyone could complain about the number of pigeons now in New York City.
In the above (emphasis supplied) essay, it states that thousands of pigeons are being netted weekly in NYC and sent to Pennsylvania gun clubs where they are used as "targets."
With this kind of continued and unabetted cruelty and assault on our urban population of birds, it won't take long for pigeons to go the way of the Do Do bird.
Already, the pigeon population in Manhattan has been severely decimated.
In another 5 years or so, there won't be any.
About 8 or 9 months ago, I yelled at two men netting pigeons on the corner of Lexington Avenue in the East 80's. Although there were many people around, NO ONE assisted me in trying to stop these men. I got the licence number of the car they threw the pigeons into and reported it to the ASPCA. The ASPCA never even returned my call.
Small wonder the men conducting this henious deed every day have NO FEAR to do it out in the open and even in front of crowds of people. They certainly have no fear of the ASPCA.
The ASPCA is no friend to the animals in allowing -- and tacitly supporting this kind of blatent cruelty to animals.
Anyone supporting the ASPCA should no longer do so and let them know WHY. -- PCA
Related:
Councilman Wants Birth Control for Pigeons
A councilman has a unique solution to reducing the pigeon population at the Staten Island ferry terminals: Put them on birth control.
Councilman James Odd says OvoControl-P, a drug that renders pigeon eggs unhatchable, could help to thin out the pesky birds and thus the droppings they leave behind inside the terminals where they like to nest.
Oddo says the drug - which would be mixed into standard seed - has not yet been approved for pigeons by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. A similar product meant for geese was given the OK last month.
Information from: Staten Island Advance
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
ASPCA Issues Statement on New York City's Pigeon Population
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
By: Amy Geduldig
Councilman Simcha Felder Proposes Bill to Prohibit Feeding Pigeons
NEW YORK--The ASPCA has recently learned of Councilman Simcha Felder's bill proposal to fine those found feeding pigeons in New York City. As an advocate for all animals, with a special interest in the animals located in our own city, we support this provision for a variety of reasons:
The pigeon population is well-known among New Yorkers and not usually very well received. Therefore, while we appreciate these creatures as part of our regional landscape, we also acknowledge that it is important to maintain their population so that they do not impede the health and sanctity of our city.
By nature, pigeons are extremely resourceful cliff-dwelling birds, who are particularly adept at securing nesting places among the many hi-rises and bridges throughout the five boroughs. This hardy constitution enables the birds to breed prolifically. As such, New York has become the home to an astronomical number of these creatures.
In order to curb the extensive pigeon population, the City has adopted a number of solutions to maintain a healthy environment. Key among these provisions is the issuing of summonses to those found feeding the pigeons in violation of Health Code regulations. Providing food for pigeons not only causes an influx of birds to the area, but can also attract unwanted rodents and insects as well, thereby contaminating an area in a very short amount of time.
Councilman Felder's proposal is one that will ensure the pigeons will not be encouraged to reproduce by otherwise well-meaning citizens. We hope to work directly with the Councilman in order to ensure that the animals and people of New York City are treated with the respect and dignity they so deserve.
ASPCA Issue Statement on NYC's Pigeon Population
By: Amy Geduldig
Councilman Simcha Felder Proposes Bill to Prohibit Feeding Pigeons
NEW YORK--The ASPCA has recently learned of Councilman Simcha Felder's bill proposal to fine those found feeding pigeons in New York City. As an advocate for all animals, with a special interest in the animals located in our own city, we support this provision for a variety of reasons:
The pigeon population is well-known among New Yorkers and not usually very well received. Therefore, while we appreciate these creatures as part of our regional landscape, we also acknowledge that it is important to maintain their population so that they do not impede the health and sanctity of our city.
By nature, pigeons are extremely resourceful cliff-dwelling birds, who are particularly adept at securing nesting places among the many hi-rises and bridges throughout the five boroughs. This hardy constitution enables the birds to breed prolifically. As such, New York has become the home to an astronomical number of these creatures.
In order to curb the extensive pigeon population, the City has adopted a number of solutions to maintain a healthy environment. Key among these provisions is the issuing of summonses to those found feeding the pigeons in violation of Health Code regulations. Providing food for pigeons not only causes an influx of birds to the area, but can also attract unwanted rodents and insects as well, thereby contaminating an area in a very short amount of time.
Councilman Felder's proposal is one that will ensure the pigeons will not be encouraged to reproduce by otherwise well-meaning citizens. We hope to work directly with the Councilman in order to ensure that the animals and people of New York City are treated with the respect and dignity they so deserve.
ASPCA Issue Statement on NYC's Pigeon Population
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