***Special Update:Darted Pigeons***

A few weeks ago, a pigeon was spotted with a metal dart protruding from her head above her eyes in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The dart likely came from a blowgun, a hollow tubal weapon in which the propelling force is air. The cruel attack is eerily reminiscent of similar blowgun attacks against a flock of pigeons in Park Slope reported in the New York Times in 1998.

Blowgun darts do not kill pigeons immediately, but often go through their bodies and stay, causing the birds great pain and making them vulnerable to infection and eventual death.

Darting pigeons is a violation of New York State animal cruelty law and the Environmental Conservation Law and can be punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for each darting.

The public can report animal cruelty to either the New York City Police Department or to the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement department, which can be reached at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450.

For help aiding darted pigeons in New York City, contact:

Wild Bird Fund: (646) 306-2862 www.wildbirdfund.com

Wildlife in Tribeca: (212) 766-7340 www.wildlifeintribeca.org

For help catching a darted pigeon, contact:
New York City Pigeon Rescue Central: (212)873-6030 http://nycprc.org/