People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals wants to find out who has been shooting birds at the Long Beach Harbor.
Several photos sent to WLOX News Friday show two pigeons living with darts in their bodies. At least one blue heron has also been shot.
The darts in their bodies apparently came from a blow gun. PETA officials tell us although the birds are still alive right now, they will eventually die from such an injury.
Cruelty to pigeons is a state violation, while the cruelty to the blue heron is considered a federal offense with much stiffer penalties.
PETA is offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to a conviction. If you have any information, contact PETA at (757) 622-PETA.
Source: WLOX
Pigeons, heron targeted by dart thrower
Someone is shooting darts at birds in Long Beach Harbor, and city officials want any witnesses to report what they’ve seen.
Harbor workers have seen a Great Blue Heron and a pigeon with darts sticking out of their feathers, but the birds didn’t appear to be hurt. Harbor Master Michael White said the dart has fallen out of the heron’s neck and that bird continues to stay around the fishing pier, where boaters feed it fish.
“He’s one of our friendly herons, and people feed him, so he hangs around,” White said.
AMANDA McCOY/SUN HERALD Someone has been shooting darts at pigeons, like this one at the Long Beach Harbor on Saturday, and a Great Blue Heron.
White said the dart was still in the pigeon the last time he saw it.
Mayor Billy Skellie wants anyone who sees someone shooting a dart gun at a bird or any animal to report it to the harbor master or the police.
“We will not condone it at all,” he said. “If anybody sees this happening, make an official complaint so the police can investigate it.”
Earlier this week, Skellie got a call from someone with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals who was asking about the pigeons.
Police Chief Wayne McDowell said he didn’t know any birds had been shot with darts, but he also encouraged anyone with information to call police.
“I haven’t had any reports on that, but I want them to let us know if they see anybody doing this,” he said.
Rumors have been circulating that Skellie ordered White to do something to get rid of the pigeons because boat owners were complaining about them. Skellie and White both said that isn’t true.
Neither has received any calls complaining about pigeons, and Skellie said, “we didn’t suggest that anybody get rid of any pigeons.”
White agreed, adding none of the workers at the harbor have seen anyone trying to harm birds.
“We haven’t seen anybody shooting darts at any animal,” he said.
McDowell said anyone caught shooting a bird with a blow dart gun can be charged with maltreatment of animals. If convicted, the crime is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail.
Source: Sun Herald
