Pigeon racing is a deadly pastime
Dear Editor,
Countless pigeons suffer and die every year as a result of this merciless and mercenary pastime.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) conducted a 15-month undercover investigation into some of the largest pigeon-racing operations in the US. PETA’s investigators documented massive casualties of birds during races and training, rampant “culling”, abusive training and racing methods, and illegal interstate gambling.
Since pride and profit are often the compelling factors in pigeon racing, owners have little use for birds who can’t or won’t win. One racer told PETA’s investigators that the “first thing you have to learn” in pigeon racing is “how to kill pigeons”. Another recommended killing these gentle birds by drowning them, pulling their heads off, or squeezing their breasts so tightly they suffocate.
Pigeons are smart and have complex social relationships. Both their hearing and vision are excellent, but they still flock in large numbers to help protect each other from predators. They are completely innocuous and enrich our mornings with their gentle cooing. They deserve to be left in peace.
Jennifer O’Connor
Senior writer
PETA Foundation
JenO@peta.org
