PETA Goes After Pigeon Racers

Mike Tyson (that dude seriously loves pigeons) was PETA's last target in their war against pigeon racing, and now the organization is taking their campaign to the district attorney and police chief of each county where races occur. Their hope is that an investigation will occur and organizers will be forced to cancel future races.

The group believes these pigeon events planned by the Bronx Homing Pigeon Club, Inc. violate state gambling laws and a state law prohibiting most animal races. They tell us that "according to state law, races that include any bet, stake, or reward are illegal if they involve animals other than horses. Gambling laws further prohibit race organizers or pigeon trainers from making money off such races. The three races planned for this fall all involve registration fees and monetary prizes, and in the past, these races have generated tens of thousands of dollars in side bets."

Then there's the cruelty argument—PETA believes forcing pigeons to race as many as 500 miles away from their roosts is damaging and could even lead to death... like if they don't perform well. PETA VP Daphna Nachminovitch says, "Pigeons are the symbol of peace, but there's nothing peaceful about a 'sport' in which birds are forced to fly hundreds of miles only to have their necks wrung if they don't find their way home fast enough." But we don't think Pigeon Lady would ever pull that.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in News on May 20, 2010 2:54 PM

Comments [rss]

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

YOu would think this man would do less harm after the tragic death of his daughter.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

Pigeons mate for life. So this is how they "race" pigeons. They separate them from each other - often taking them from their mate and their babies too as far as five hundred miles or more from home - then letting them go. These birds will die trying to get back to their mates and their babies and they often do NOT make it. My pigeon rescue group is always finding these fancy pigeons near death from starvation because they don't even know how to forage for food - they're used to being fed. They're helpless against hawks and other predators. Pigeon racing is no different than horse or greyhound racing - it's a SHAME and animals are exploited and killed in the process. And guess what? If you find a racing pigeon with a band? Nine times out of ten - if you get in touch with the owner - THEY DON'T EVEN WANT THE BIRD BACK. They consider it defective. Shame on Mike Tyson - he is NO gentle giant who loves the poor little doves.

handsomedevil

also in america we have the legacy of the pigeon post which was also cruel and should be recognized as a historical crime like slavery

dadoc

With all that is happening in the city, the country and the world, this is what pisses these people off? How about they get off their butts and head south to help with what will likely be a wildlife disaster in the Gulf. Pigeon racing? What's next, banning flyswatters?

youngpro

pigeons?! i thought wee had a deal!

handsomedevil

how witty a seinfeld quote. did your fake boobs help you remember that one

emilydickinson

I'm all for being nice to the fuzzy wuzzy animals, but PETA is way off base here. I've met a bunch of people over the years in NYC who raise and race pigeons. From what I've seen they care for them better than some people care for their kids. There's a great article by Mara Faye Lethem about the Coney Island Pigeon Exchange that PETA should read.

They should be going off on people who feed pigeons on the street. Those people should be put in jail.

handsomedevil

your friends should be put in jail

Cannibal

Thanks PETA, I thought the only entertainment that a pigeon could give me was the explosion of feathers after you hit them with your car.

That and sandwiches.

Thespis

They got anything to back up the charges that pigeon owners kill their birds if they lose? That's one hell of an accusation -- and it's *cough* not like PETA to make things up *cough*.

handsomedevil

your the one who is lying asshole its 100% true

NYbradES

"Pigeons are the symbol of peace"

A pigeon smacked me in the face not 3 hours ago!!! I wish I could race him 500 miles as a punishment...

WorksInDUMBO

DOVES are the symbol of peace, not pigeons. Dumbass!

hotstepper

i'm no fan of PETA but doves and pigeons are from the bird family Columbidae. the terms are often used interchangeably.

Philipecan Tuilin

Pigeons are delicious.

handsomedevil

I can't believe you would create a gothamist account based on felix's facebook name you and your stupid tasteless jokes can go to hell

youngpro

i have no idea who you are or where you came from (i take it you read my blog though lol)...but i LOVE the name!

thefacts

True!

Call them 'squab' and they taste even better.

drewo

PETA stretching it a bit here... I suspect these pigeons that "race" are in far better shape, and fed better, than your typical parkbench-hanging, garbage-eating bird.

handsomedevil

yeah in your imagination the fact is that forcing them to race is cruel and birds that do not win are disposed of like garbage. shame on people animals are not here for our amusement and same on you for supporting abuse