Pigeon Shooting
Most people are familiar with Skeet Shooting. This sport involves a clay disc that is flung into the air using a machine somewhat similar to a slingshot. Now imagine the clay pigeons being replaced with live pigeons that are launched into the air one at a time and either shot dead or left wounded to die a slow death. This is a reality in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, the “only place where this event is still legal” according to the Humane Society of the United States. These pay-to-play events are by invitation only so the whereabouts are hidden from protesters. The individuals who shoot the most pigeons are awarded cash or other prizes.
The Humane Society of the United States fought to find supporters for Pennsylvania House Bill 1750, in hopes that this bill would stop the Live Pigeon Shooting events. According to HB 1750 , the bill passed the Senate with a 36/12 vote status, yet it has not been brought to the House for a vote. Senator Eichelberger from Pennsylvania, who voted against the bill, stated while in session:
Most people are familiar with Skeet Shooting. This sport involves a clay disc that is flung into the air using a machine somewhat similar to a slingshot. Now imagine the clay pigeons being replaced with live pigeons that are launched into the air one at a time and either shot dead or left wounded to die a slow death. This is a reality in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, the “only place where this event is still legal” according to the Humane Society of the United States. These pay-to-play events are by invitation only so the whereabouts are hidden from protesters. The individuals who shoot the most pigeons are awarded cash or other prizes.
The Humane Society of the United States fought to find supporters for Pennsylvania House Bill 1750, in hopes that this bill would stop the Live Pigeon Shooting events. According to HB 1750 , the bill passed the Senate with a 36/12 vote status, yet it has not been brought to the House for a vote. Senator Eichelberger from Pennsylvania, who voted against the bill, stated while in session:
“Mr. President, we have heard a great concern for pigeons across our State and the humane treatment of said pigeons, but yet we know that pigeons are regarded in many places as a health hazard and problematic as they gather in cities and commercial buildings, farms, and places where they cause a lot of damage and create a lot of health concerns.”
Pigeons are a big problem with city dwellers. Food and water seem to be easy to come by and the threat of predators is low. They flock to window ledges and find every safe nook and cranny to build a nest to increase their population. The USDA states that "The feral pigeon is an invasive species responsible for estimated damages totaling more than $1 billion annually. At least 70 human pathogens—including those that cause diseases such as Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis—are known to reside in feral pigeon populations." Experts at the Saint Louis Zoo and the USDA recommend feeding pigeons OvoControl. According to APHIS, OvoControl is " an oral contraceptive bait for use on resident or urban Canada goose and feral pigeon populations that reduces the hatch ability of eggs" There are more humane ways to deal with pigeons before they out number us. .
We have grown as people in the last few centuries. Our technology is astounding and we have overcome illnesses to where we live much longer then our ancestors. Yet we still behave the same as those 150 years ago, who shot buffalo from a passing train just for grins. When are we going to change?
Thank you for reading!
Renae
I had no idea that this was a topic of discussion and had no idea that people actually used live bait in shooting contests, but the video definitely put it all into perspective. To be honest, when I first started reading, I didn't think it was a big deal because pigeons are disease carrying pests, but your last paragraph hit me and I was left to bite my own tongue. You're right, we do have an advancement of technology to overcome sicknesses and we have the use of discs for targets. We have undoubtably changed, but you raised a great point in the depletion/extinction of buffalo. Killing them like this and through other forms could lead us to that same point of where there are a mere memories, leading us away from wildlife diversity.
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