Leave the birds alone!
Dozens of animal rights activists rallied on Wednesday under the gigantic pigeon statue at the High Line in Manhattan to draw attention to an ongoing pigeon poaching trend.
The protest came after amNewYork exclusively reported last week that a Pennsylvania man had been apprehended in the East Village’s Tompkins Square Park on April 30 for netting the Big Apple birds. Police say 67-year-old Dwayne Daley of Bushkill, PA, was also found to have had a van on site containing some 25 caged pigeons.
The slew of animal rights groups, who had been sounding an alarm on the illegal practice, say they feel vindicated following amNewYork’s reporting, and praised the New Yorker who dialed 911 on Daley and the NYPD for taking action.
Still, they say they believe there are more poachers stalking New York’s streets looking to filch the feathery fowl, then take them out of state to be used as hunting fodder.
“I think this is a relatively sophisticated ring of guys that are bringing these animals to Pennsylvania,” anthropologist John Di Leonardo alleged at the May 7 rally. “It’s imperative for the prosecutors in New York City to prosecute animal abuse — whether it’s dogs, cats or pigeons.”
A colorful cast of characters gathered on 30th Street and 10th Avenue for the rally, warning New Yorkers about the ongoing poaching pandemic.
Several New Yorkers who care for and feed the birds say they have seen a large decrease in their flocks. Tina Trachtenburg, also known as Mother Pigeon, says she has noticed about 150 fewer birds in a flock she often feeds, while Margaret Lee, a pigeon advocate, claims she has seen the loss of about 700 birds in one day.
The group also sought to dispel the notion that birds are filthy pests but, rather, are intelligent creatures.
One young man traveled nine hours from Ohio with his pet pigeon, Osprey, for the bird’s first birthday. He made the trip to take photos with his beloved pet in front of the statue when he came across the protest.
“With these pigeon shootings that are going on, they’re just taken from their families because they mate for life. They fly up, and then at a certain height, they’re just shot to death,” Gabe said as Osprey sat on his shoulder in a little pink dress.
The group likewise asked fellow New Yorkers to keep their eyes peeled for those who may be netting the birds, and if spotted, immediately call 911. However, they also criticized the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, arguing that prosecutors don’t take the trend seriously.
But the Manhattan District Attorney’s office pushed back, saying that animal welfare matters are of utmost importance.
“Our office takes allegations of animal abuse extremely seriously, and the defendant in this case was charged and prosecuted for his conduct,” a spokesperson said in a statement to amNewYork.
Daley had been charged with one count of overdriving, torturing and injuring Animals, a class A misdemeanor — but the charge was not bail eligible, meaning that Daley was free to go following arraignment.
Republican mayoral candidate and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, a renowned cat lover, also joined the rally. He charged that the issue of animal rights crosses party lines and should be a top priority.
“You see a coalition of animal lovers here, not political. They involved Democrats, Republicans, and independents. There has no party label other than to love animals and care for animals,” Sliwa said. “As a five year old boy, I took care of the pigeons on the roof of my grandfather and grandmother’s house in Canarsie, Brooklyn. My uncle had pigeons, and you develop a love for these animals. They have their own personalities.”
