Shame Of Pennsylvania

[spirit wings]

There are so many lost racing pigeons that have gotten lost in a race or toss, I think we need to add this type of unsportsman like activity to the list of what or why your pigeon did not come back home...This possiblity is heart wrenching when you have bred and trained and fed and hoped for your bird. I know this may sound harsh but I think I rather my bird parish from a hawk. At least that is natures way. I know the ferals desreve better also, but unfortunately they are considerd a nusisance speicies which have no voice from most...so called sportsman should see the light....I know my father rest his soul, would have, and he was the best sportsman I know.

[SmithFamilyLoft]

Originally Posted by Charis

Warren, You wrote this...
"If this situation should change, I will do everything in my power to bring such an event to the attention of the whole pigeon world, as well as the public and law enforcement. And make it cost such operators very dearly."

You are there...it's your state. Please follow through on your above statement and let us know what we can do to help.

I am now so ashamed of my state, and the fact this is still going on in my own back yard !!

I apoligise to everyone for thinking this was a bunch of people trying to make a buck over something that was closed down years ago. I ASSumed that when the Higgens shoot was closed down, that it was the end to this sick stuff.

The really sad thing about all this, is that many pigeon fanciers are very cool, or at best luke warm about helping to stop this crap ! We may very well find more support from the public at large, and there is something wrong about that fact. I am so sick about this....a bird recently returned home days after a race with some netting attached. God only knows how many of my own birds may have suffered such a fate.

[Charis]

Warren...you are in a position to make a difference by the stand you make and who you talk to about it. As far as other pigeon fanciers, you just don't know if they will get behind you on this one until you ask them to. So...GO FOR IT!
I appreciate the apology.

[Teresa]

I have just finished reading this book (unputdownable!) and I urge everybody else to do the same. There are chapters on pigeon shoots and on eating pigeons which may upset some members, so use your discretion, but in the course of writing the book, the author became a strong advocate for pigeons.
The copyright date on the book is 2006, and the final comments are dated July 2007. So the information is pretty recent.

He says that the Hegins Labor Day pigeon shoots have finished, after 13 years of protests by activists, but pigeon shoots (in various states, not just Pennsylvania) still take place in private clubs for very large sums of money. And the birds aren't bought at markets, but obtained from 'commodities brokers' like Don Bailey, who obtain them from various sources, including poachers who net pigeons in parks and along race routes. Apparently there is a N.Y. underground organisation who have been filming this to hopefully use it in court to stop the poachings.
The author himself took part in one pigeon shoot, at the Strausstown Rod and Gun Club. His contact at the club, a Mr. Kee Bubbenmoyer, justifies his 'sport' by saying that pigeons are disease-carrying vermine, and he says of those he calls 'animalists' (here follows a direct quote from the book): "Their problem is that they subscribe to anthropomorphism. They think animals are people. Well, they're not. Animals have a different set of nervous systems. They feel pain differently. They don't possess this," he says, pointing to his brain. "I've seen pigeons, all shot up, get up and start pecking around for food. Now, if I broke your arm, would you be craving a lobster tail?"

Someone here is clearly lacking a nervous system and a brain, but it ain't the pigeons...

[Lilito54]

"The author himself took part in one pigeon shoot, at the Strausstown Rod and Gun Club. His contact at the club, a Mr. Kee Bubbenmoyer, justifies his 'sport' by saying that pigeons are disease-carrying vermine...."

Yes, the same old excuse to justify their barbaric behavior. The phrase "Rats with wings" was made up by a pedophile who married his own daughter (Woody Allen), he used it for in movie called Stardust Memories.
Are pigeon fanciers (you know that "superior" species of pigeons) fear catching a disease from their birds?
I know you all know about the myths of disease in feral pigeons:

The most widespread misconception about urban pigeons is that they are carriers of disease. Pest control companies charge them with transmitting histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, psittacosis, cryptococcosis, salmonellosis, meningitis, tuberculosis, and encephalitis.
The truth is that the vast majority of people are at little or no health risk from pigeons and probably have a greater chance of being struck by lightning than contracting a serious disease from pigeons.(3) In fact, a child attending school is many times more likely to get a disease from another child than from a pigeon.
Of these diseases, histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis are the only ones that could be linked to large bird populations, even though pigeons themselves are not infected with and are not carriers of the diseases. These fungi occur naturally in soil. When bird droppings mix with the soil over a period of years, they can enrich the soil in a way that favors development of airborne spores, and people who live near sites where pigeons roost may be exposed. The symptoms of infection generally resemble a mild cold. People recover without medical intervention and develop a natural resistance against further infection. Much of the population has already been affected, developed an immunity, and never been aware of it.(4) Histoplasma fungus and infection are prevalent on intensive chicken farms.
Salmonellosis and toxoplasmosis are more commonly contracted from undercooked, contaminated meat.(5)
There is no evidence linking the other diseases to pigeons and, in fact, most of them are so common in nature, so rare in humans, or so mild in their symptoms.
Source PETA

[Jaye]

Hi. This may have been said already...apologies as I haven't read all of the thread since I have a hard time maintaining my temper and demeanor about stuff like this.

I would suggest doing a websearch for animal welfare organizations in your area and in your state. Get some contact e-mail addresses and shoot off some e-mails.

Advocating for our pigeon friends can sometimes feel very lonely...as if all of the weight rests on your shoulders only...but the fact is, many if not most animal welfare and anti-cruelty organizations (and there are literally TONS of 'em at all levels...local, state, national, world) take this sort of injustice very seriously.

My guess is you will get some responses, and some organizations and people willing to help you out or perhaps even connect you to the right folks. It is always good to have these sorta allies.

Best of luck...it goes w/o saying that we are all with you and will help however we can...

[Lilito54]

I would like to pass along an email I received last night from the HSUS.
The Editorial from The Reading Eagle, newspaper from PA is right on target.
Hello,

New York State Senator Liz Krueger (D-26) sent a letter to the Pennsylvania State Legislature advocating a ban on live pigeon shoots, highlighting the burden that demand for New York City pigeons as live targets places on New York law enforcement agencies.

A Pennsylvania bill to ban live pigeon shoots is pending in the state legislature and is expected to be voted on this week. More info on the bill and issue is available at The Humane Society of the United States' website: http://www.humanesociety.org/wildlif...on_shoots.html

I've included our press release below as well as Senator Krueger's letter.

You may also be interested in an editorial The Reading Eagle - the hometown paper of where the pigeon shoots take place - wrote in support of the bill - http://www.readingeagle.com/blog.asp...eanimal-shoots and a feature article in the NY Post on the issue: http://www.nypost.com/seven/07272008...ey__121825.htm

Best,

Patrick Kwan, New York State Director
The Humane Society of the United States
http://www.humanesociety.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York Senator Urges Pennsylvania Legislature to Gun Down Pigeon Shoots

(Sept. 15, 2008)- New York State Senator Liz Krueger (D-26) sent a letter to the Pennsylvania State Legislature advocating a ban on live pigeon shoots, highlighting the burden that demand for New York City pigeons as live targets places on New York law enforcement agencies.

"I urge the Pennsylvania State Legislature to ban the cruel practice of live pigeon shoots," said Sen. Krueger. "If the demand for live birds to kill during Pennsylvania pigeon shoots were ended through legislation, these pigeon nettings would undoubtedly dramatically decline and most likely cease."

Recent media reports have highlighted the link between illegal pigeon capture in New York City and the trafficking of birds across state lines to be used in pigeon shoots. Pennsylvania is the last state to openly host these events. Sen. Krueger noted that New York banned captive live pigeon shoots in 1874.

City residents have witnessed individuals scattering seed or bait for birds, throwing a net over the animals and placing them in the back of vehicles. Birds reportedly arrive to the shoots already malnourished, dehydrated or dead.

"For the past 20 years, tens of thousands of birds have suffered while Pennsylvania citizens called for legislation banning pigeon shoots," said Heidi Prescott, senior vice president for The Humane Society of the United States. "Now the Pennsylvania Legislature's embarrassing failure to act on this reasonable measure has caught the attention of a legislator in another state."

The HSUS offers a standing $2,500 reward for information related to nettings, gambling and other illegal activity connected to live pigeon shoots. Individuals with information may call the toll-free live pigeon shoot tip line at 1-800-637-4124.

Facts

* The Pennsylvania Legislature has failed to pass any animal protection legislation this session.

* In pigeon shoots, birds are released one at time from boxes to be shot by individuals standing just a few yards away. The shooters are awarded prizes based on whether the wounded or dead animal lands inside a scoring area.

* During past live pigeon shoots, participants have snipped the heads off live birds with gardening shears, beaten wounded pigeons against barrels, buried wounded animals with dead ones in containers and abandoned wounded animals.

* At least 1,000 birds are typically used for a one-day shoot.

The HSUS works to stop wildlife abuse across the country. Visit http://www.humanesociety.org/wildlifeabuse for more information.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization - backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty - On the web at http://www.humanesociety.org
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
humanesociety.org
Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty

NY Senator Krueger's Letter to Pennsylvania Legislature

Dear Legislator,

On behalf of my constituents in the 26th Senate Legislative District of New York, I encourage you to support legislation to end pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania. It is my understanding that Pennsylvania openly hosts these events where captive birds are released or launched from boxes and shot within a ring for prizes and money. Unfortunately, it is not only Pennsylvania that is affected, the constant demand for animals to supply these events has spurred an associated animal cruelty issue in New York State in the form of pigeon poaching.

These poaching activities present an undue law enforcement challenge within my district, the Upper East Side of New York City, and other areas within the city. Capturing or netting pigeons is illegal, yet within my district residents repeatedly witness individuals scattering seed or bait for birds, throwing a net over the animals and placing these birds in the back of vehicle. The birds are then kept in crowded conditions and transported across state lines to shoots in Pennsylvania.

If the Pennsylvania pigeon shoot market for live birds to target in these competitions were ended through legislation, these pigeon nettings would undoubtedly dramatically decline and most likely, cease. I know of no other economic incentive for individuals to capture thousands of pigeons at a time, repeatedly throughout the year in New York. In fact, New York banned captive live pigeon shoots in 1874.

As you might imagine, our city's law enforcement bodies would rather spend their time and resources on priorities that do not include investigating frequent reports of pigeon capture.

Finally, the cruelty inherent in shooting launched animals that do not have an opportunity to escape the gun and knowing that it is our own state's wildlife killed in such a manner, is quite distressing to my constituents who value the humane treatment of animals. Again, I urge you to pass legislation before the fall shoot season starts again and increases the demand for our birds.

I thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Liz Krueger
State Senator



Interested in taking action online to help animals? Then join our online community! Go to:
https://community.hsus.org/humane/join

[Chelsea]

These pigeon shoots are very much alive and going on especially in Berks County in PA. We are the last state to still accept this type of behavior and cruelty. There is a small group of people that are hiding behind the NRA that seem to be pulling the strings of a few elected officials to keep it alive here. Getting the message out to others that love these birds as well as ones that care about cruelty to animals. HSUS is the best place to check on updates about the pigeon shoot bill and how to help. Time is running out for this year but we still have to try before the coming election.

[Margarret]

Originally Posted by SmithFamilyLoft

I am now so ashamed of my state, and the fact this is still going on in my own back yard !!

Warren,

I think your initial response was what the majority of people would think. Actually most people would be surprised to hear that there is anything like a pigeon shoot happening let alone realize the level of cruelty toward the birds that goes on. The people who run this thing and the ones who participate in it go to extreme lengths to make sure it isn't general knowledge. Most sadists operate under the radar and that is what they are. Sport has nothing to do with it. I couldn't watch the videos, I would be in the bathroom throwing up if I did. Reading about it nearly does me in.

The answer to stopping this is getting enough people to realize that it is for real and going on right next door. I like to think that the average man would not stand for it. As to the pigeon fanciers, they have probably never thought that this may be where some of their lost birds have ended up. A little consciousness raising might be in order. As you said, one of your birds came back with netting it had torn free of.

Anything you can do to create awareness, I feel will go a long way toward stopping this practice.

Margaret
" You can always tell the cut of a man by the way he treats his livestock"
George E. Smith (my dad)

[Teresa]

Originally Posted by Charis

Attention Pennsylvania Hunters: Help Stop the Attack on Our Hunting Heritage!

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Please Contact Your State Representative Today!

As we have reported, amendments filed by State Representative Daylin Leach (D-149) to Senate Bill 151 and House Bill 1543 could be considered by the House at ANY MOMENT. Simply stated, this legislation would criminalize and ban organized pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania by amending Title 18 ("Crimes and Offenses") of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

Pigeon shooting is an historic and legitimate activity steeped in tradition with many participants throughout the Commonwealth and around the world. Participants are law-abiding, ethical shooting enthusiasts, hunters, and sportsmen who would not tolerate an activity that would constitute cruelty to animals.

Pigeon shoots have been part of Pennsylvania’s storied hunting heritage for over one hundred years. Now, national “animal rights” extremist groups, led by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), have organized and funded efforts in Pennsylvania and around the country to ban this longstanding traditional shooting sport.

These zealots have set their sights on banning all hunting species by species throughout the United States, not just in Pennsylvania. Today, anti-hunting extremists are focusing on pigeon shooting, tomorrow it will be deer or turkey hunting. The CEO of HSUS, Wayne Pacelle, has admitted, “If we could shut down all sport hunting in a moment, we would.” Pacelle has even said, "We are going to use the ballot box and the democratic process to stop all hunting in the United States... We will take it species by species until all hunting is stopped..."

Please contact your State Representative IMMEDIATELY and respectfully ask him or her to protect Pennsylvania’s rich hunting tradition by opposing Representative Leach’s amendments. Contact information for your State Representative can be found here.

Well spotted, Charis! Pigeons are lucky to have eagle-eyed friends!

According to this, pigeon shooters consider the HSUS to be the greatest thorn on their side, so if we want to hit them where it really hurts, LET'S PUT OUR WEIGHT BEHIND THE HSUS. They'll be glad of the extra support and we'll ensure that pigeon shoots and pigeon netting are consigned to history.

[Jay3]

Originally Posted by Teresa

Well spotted, Charis! Pigeons are lucky to have eagle-eyed friends!

According to this, pigeon shooters consider the HSUS to be the greatest thorn on their side, so if we want to hit them where it really hurts, LET'S PUT OUR WEIGHT BEHIND THE HSUS. They'll be glad of the extra support and we'll ensure that pigeon shoots and pigeon netting are consigned to history.

Teresa, you have a very good point!

[Lilito54]

OUR TOWN New York City East Side Community News

KRUEGER SLAMS PIGEON SHOOTS
September 22, 2008

State Sen. Liz Krueger sent a letter to the Pennsylvania State Legislature to push a ban on live pigeon shoots, which she says causes poachers to target New York City. There is a bill sitting in the Pennsylvania legislature that would ban live-animal shoots.
“If the Pennsylvania pigeon shoot market for live birds to target in these competitions were ended through legislation, these pigeon nettings would undoubtedly dramatically decline and most likely, cease,” Krueger wrote.

Please feel free to leave your comments:

http://ourtownny.com/?p=705

[sasha008]

Wayne Pacelle, president of the HSUS, became an advocate for animals when, as a college student, he witnessed a Pennsylvania pigeon shoot. Here's a link to the Newsweek article about him http://www.newsweek.com/id/69533

[Teresa]

I have left a message in the link supplied by Lilito. Please add your voices, let's overwhelm them!
Remember, though, that content is moderated, so diplomacy is a must.

[outlawedlofts]

totally Disgusting!!