North Rand Road pet shop to be prosecuted for neglecting pigeons
The birds were suffering from dehydration and neurological disorders and were underweight and infested with mites.
The Boksburg SPCA recently confiscated 69 pigeons from a pet shop in North Rand Road as a result of the owner’s negligence.
According to Boksburg SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore, the pigeons had been living under filthy conditions and some were sick with diseases. The birds were also suffering from dehydration and neurological disorders and some of them were underweight and infested with mites.
“The owner had been given several warnings to rectify the welfare problems found in his shop but refused to comply,” Finnemore said.
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When the SPCA was presented with the warrant to seize the birds, the owner became extremely aggressive towards their inspectors, but the confiscation proceeded and the birds were taken to a place of safety at the Boksburg SPCA.
“Pigeons of different breeds are often sold from pet shops for racing and breeding purposes,” Finnemore explained. “Contrary to what most people think, pigeon racing can be a very cruel sport. These intelligent birds are often forced to fly distances they can’t endure and in unsuitable weather conditions. The birds are often drugged with performance enhancers and handled inhumanely.”
She added that the SPCA opposes pigeon racing in any form.
“Know that the next time you find a flightless pigeon with a ring on its leg, it’s probably a starving racing pigeon that never made the journey back to its loft,” Finnemore said.
The SPCA will be laying charges of cruelty to animals against the pet shop owner and his wife.
Donations towards the expenses incurred for this confiscation will be greatly appreciated.
Boksburg SPCA banking details: Boksburg SPCA, Absa, account number: 4046388139, branch: 632005.
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