Target: Representative Ralph Massullo,
Goal: Stop racing pigeons for sport and profit.
Racing pigeons is a cruel and unnecessary pastime that should not be allowed as a “sport.” Pigeons are expected to fly up 500 miles as fast as possible in a single racing season. Birds that do not measure up are systematically culled (killed), and many reports have surfaced of owners snapping the necks of under-performing pigeons or shooting them if they don’t return to the loft. In addition, once a male and female pigeon have bonded, the female is taken from the loft in a disgusting practice referred to as widowing. The separated female will fly faster and push herself harder to return to her mate.
It is commonplace and considered acceptable to lose 10 percent of pigeons in a single race, though some races have claimed the lives of many more. Some estimates say up to 75 percent of pigeons have been lost. In 2020, the South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race lost over 870 birds in the grueling journey these birds are forced to endure for human monetary profit. Because the pigeons are raised in captivity, they are easy prey for predators and are unable to forage for themselves in the wild. Some simply succumb to exhaustion, heat stroke, or dehydration.
These birds should not be forced to perform and die for human entertainment or profit. Sign this petition to stop pigeon racing.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Representative Massullo,,
The sport of pigeon racing is an abuse of animals by forcing them to fly for human amusement and profit. Many reports have surfaced of the killing of birds that do not meet racers expectations. Regardless if these birds are well cared for day to day, it is unnecessary and inhumane to force them to race for people’s entertainment.
It is appalling that a loss of pigeons in a given race is accepted and usually expected. While it is commonplace to lose 10 percent of birds in a single race, there have been races where 75 percent of pigeons ended up dead or missing. This is a callous waste of an animal life.
Pigeons succumb to predators and the elements that they encounter while racing. Because they are raised in captivity, it is cruel to send these pets to fend for themselves in the wild.
I urge you to stop forcing these animals to perform and die for sport.
Sincerely,
Michelle J. Fonzi
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