BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — The Women’s Animal Center is calling for an end to live pigeon shoots in the Commonwealth.
In a letter to Patch, Catherine Malkemes — chief executive officer of America’s oldest animal shelter — is seeking a stop to the live shoots.
Women’s Animal Center has taken up this cause before: Over 100 years ago.
In 1882, the Founders of Women’s Animal Center, America’s First Animal Shelter, advocated to end pigeon shoots in the Commonwealth.
At that time, they hoped PA would be the fourth state in the Union to abolish these cruel pigeon matches. They were unsuccessful.
And now, 143 years later, Pennsylvania is one of the few states in the nation that still has regular live pigeon shoots.
Live pigeon shoots are brutal contests in which live birds — often trapped, trafficked, or otherwise illegally captured and transported into Pennsylvania — are used as living targets.
Pigeons are crammed into boxes and launched into the air, where shooters fire at close range.
Humane PA reports that 70 percent of the birds are merely wounded and left to suffer.
They also report there is overwhelming support to ban these shoots, from the public and animal welfare organizations like Women’s Animal Center, along with traditional sportsmen who oppose live pigeon shoots and recognize the difference between hunting and shooting a disoriented, captive bird launched from a box.
“Pennsylvania legislators can make history and finally end these cruel live pigeon shoots,” Malkemes said.
Women’s Animal Center is urging people to contact their state legislators and urge them to co-sponsor and support State Rep. Perry Warren’s bill to ban live pigeon shoots in the state once and for all.
About Women’s Animal Center
Women’s Animal Center was founded in 1869 by Caroline Earle White and a group of 29 trailblazing
women to provide safe shelter, nourishment, and medical care for homeless pets while they wait for new families.
In addition to animal sheltering and adoptions, Women’s Animal Center provides a variety of vital
services to the Greater Philadelphia region, including veterinary hospital, dog training, community
programming, and humane education.
As part of its mission, the Veterinary Hospital provides high-quality, affordable veterinary care making pet ownership affordable and thus keeping more animals in their homes and out of shelters.
The hospital is among only 15 percent of hospitals in North America to be accredited by the
American Animal Hospital Association.
All proceeds raised through veterinary service fees support the shelter of the stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals under the organization’s care.
Women’s Animal Center is located at 3839 Richlieu Road, Bensalem, and can be reached by phone at 215-750-5252.
For more information: www.womensanimalcenter.org.