Source: Franklin County Free Press
New York City Council Member Carlina Rivera has urged Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Rep. Matt Bradford (D-Norristown) to support legislation banning live pigeon shoots in the state.
Rivera stated the legislation, House Bill 1097, would help curb the illegal trafficking of pigeons from New York to Pennsylvania. She cited a recent incident in which a man was arrested in Tompkins Square Park with 25 pigeons reportedly bound for Pennsylvania.
Although most hunters have switched to clay pigeons, live pigeon shoots continue at some Pennsylvania gun clubs. Advocates for the ban argue the practice is inhumane. Rivera referenced reports that captured or bred pigeons are kept in dark containers and often not killed outright during shoots. According to the Animal Defense League, about 30% of the birds survive initial gunfire and are then manually killed.
House Bill 1097 is sponsored by Rep. Perry Warren (D-Yardley) and co-sponsored by Republicans Mike Jones (York) and Joe Hogan (Penndel). A memo supporting the bill highlights prior animal cruelty laws, such as bans on cockfighting and dog racing.
Rivera previously passed legislation in New York City prohibiting the trafficking of pigeons. She called on Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass HB 1097 with bipartisan support.