PETA appeals for probe into Taiwan pigeon races
Print Edition
CONTROVERSIAL animal rights group PETA yesterday urged authorities in Taiwan to investigate the pigeon racing industry, which it said costs the lives of 1.5 million birds a year.
“We are calling on the police to protect birds by investigating all violations of the laws associated with pigeon racing and prosecuting guilty parties,” the group said in a statement after filing a complaint with Taiwan police this month.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) said a five-month investigation it carried out in Taiwan found that races “often proved fatal” for pigeons that were released hundreds of kilometers offshore and forced to fly home.
“Thousands of young birds die in each race when they are swept underwater by waves, or succumb to exhaustion,” it said.
More than 30,000 Taiwan pigeon breeders race about 2 million pigeons each year, of which an estimated 1.5 million die, PETA, which itself euthanizes animals, claimed.
Taiwan media estimates that pigeon racing is worth NT$70 billion (US$2.3 billion) and has existed for over 60 years.
Criminal activity linked to the sport such as extortion, race fixing and kidnapping pigeons for ransom have been reported in the local media.
Taiwan police said they will look into the allegations.
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