Pigeon Laws

[Pidgey]

Whether they have or haven't, you'd have legal recourse to sue and the threat of that might work in your favor if they haven't.

Pidgey

[Birdmom4ever]

Here's a list of species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the law that protects our native species. I got it from the U.S. Department of Fish & Game. You can see by scrolling down the list that feral pigeons, Columba livia, are not on this list. http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/in...a/mbtandx.html

Perhaps you can print it out and show the vet. I hope this helps.

[Birdmom4ever]

Originally Posted by swetcountrygrl

Well you guys have gave me great hope in calling the vet tomorrow and trying to get her back. What should I tell the vet tomorrow when I call them? I just hope they havent taken her away or put her down.

Didn't want to say it, but that's my concern too.

[swetcountrygrl]

Originally Posted by Birdmom4ever

Didn't want to say it, but that's my concern too.

So by looking at her picture what kinda pigeon is she? So when I call the vet I can point this out?

[Lady Tarheel]

I'm really distressed to read this. I would be very firm, but nice, to them and let them know they don't know what they are talking about. If they have done anything to Myrtle after you told them it was a pet I would consider taking legal action. Such a shame.


You mentioned you took her first to another vet. Is this one you use often? Perhaps this vet could contact the one who took her from you and explain the situation. First thing though, I would find out what they have done with Myrtle.

[Birdmom4ever]

Originally Posted by swetcountrygrl

So by looking at her picture what kinda pigeon is she? So when I call the vet I can point this out?

She is a feral pigeon, or "Rock Pigeon." She's descended from escaped domestic pigeons originally brought here by European settlers. Lost homers and rollers have undoubtedly added to the modern mix. From her picture I'd guess your Myrtle has some homer in her. There are hundreds of breeds of domestic pigeons, but they are all the same species, Columba livia in Latin. What you need to stress to the vet is that only native species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and she is most definitely a non-native species. You've as much right to keep her as a pet as you would a parakeet or canary.

[Lady Tarheel]

LOL, I was just thinking that as much as we all would like our ferals to be protected, this is one time it may work in someone's favor that they are not.

[flitsnowzoom]

Tell the organization the truth. Myrtle was abandoned so you adopted her. It would be no different than if you had found a stray cat or dog (kitten or puppy) while on vacation and you adopted it.

You've checked with pigeon experts and they all agree that this is a domestic (if feral) pigeon, aka rock pigeon or rock dove. There is no law against having them.

Good luck.

Myrtle is a total beauty and I'd bet she's got a fair amount of homer in her.

[Victor]

Geez, that makes me so darn blasted mad!

The key word you said was PET pigeon.

Most of us here at Pigeon Talk have PET pigeons.

I just hope it is not too late.

Please let us know Monday what is going on.

[Victor]

She looks like a checker pigeon...I have three PET checks here.

She resembles my Emily.

[Charis]

It makes me mad too.Whoever told you that you couldn't keep her was ill informed. As amazing as it sounds,most people don't know the difference between a starling and a pigeon.
Call early in the morning as soon as they open because the thing you don't want them to do is put her down.
Let us know what happens.

[TAWhatley]

I'm so sorry your PET and quite LEGAL pigeon was confiscated. The vet clinic is way, way wrong on this. Try to nicely get your bird back, but if necessary, make them a sincere offer of being royally sued by you for taking your PET bird away. If need be, I can probably get at least one or two state and federally permitted wild bird rehabilitators in Virginia to back up what we are all saying .. there is no way that it is or was illegal for you to have this bird.

Terry

[Birdbabe]

How dare they take your bird! I would go back and demand they give her back to me. My vet takes care of pigeons and never questions. Of course he is an angel in disgise. Good luck.

[Birdmom4ever]

Does the vet's office have a message machine? If so, I would call tonight and leave a calm, authoritative message stating that you have looked into the law and now know that since Myrtle is a non-native Rock Pigeon it is legal for you to keep her. Then I would call the minute they open for business tomorrow morning, too. I'm praying that this ends with the return of your bird. Please do keep us posted. We're all pulling for you.

[ShelbyG]

Hi SwetcountyGrl,

Just wanted to let you know that I really hope you get your bird back safe and sound. I also want to agree with Nicole that you should definitely consider talking with the local media-its a compelling story and might help other people see what great pets pigeons can be. And looks like the local vets could sure use some education in that area!!

Hoping you find Myrtle,

ShelbyG