Pigeon poaching is a topic many outside New York City may not be familiar with. While pigeons live in nearly every city and town across the United States, it is New York that is home to one of the largest populations. Consequently, these pigeons have been targeted since the 1980s by those who grab them en masse for profit.
Despite pigeon poaching being around for decades, it is becoming a bigger issue now. Flocks of pigeons are literally disappearing overnight from parks and street corners, so they can allegedly be sold and taken across state lines, where they will face a horrible death while attempting to fly to freedom.
What is Pigeon Poaching?
Pigeon poaching is the illegal taking of pigeons from public spaces. Because New York City and the surrounding boroughs are home to a large pigeon population, pigeon poaching is big business. In fact, estimates range from there being one pigeon per every New Yorker to a total of approximately 425,000. That means that the city has become an easy hunting ground for pigeon poachers.
Pigeon poaching is a controversial topic. Some people feel passionate that the pigeons are an iconic part of New York and deserve to be treated with compassion. Others see pigeons as vermin and applaud those who poach the pigeons, thereby significantly decreasing their flock size and overall population…