In 1682, Pennsylvania’s first code of laws banned cockfighting as “rude and riotous.” In the years that followed, our Commonwealth continued to take a clear stand against animal cruelty. Dogfighting was outlawed in 1869, greyhound racing was prohibited in 2004 and even simulcast wagering on those races was ended in 2010. In 2017, we strengthened our laws further by making it illegal to possess the equipment used to raise or train animals for bloodsport.

Despite this long history of bipartisan progress, live pigeon shoots, where live birds are released at close range and shot for sport, remain expressly exempted from Pennsylvania’s animal cruelty statutes. These events are both cruelly antiquated and out of touch with values we have repeatedly reaffirmed in law.

Our legislation will close this outdated loophole and finally bring an end to live pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania. This reform is a simple extension of the protections we already provide for other animals subjected to cruelty in the name of entertainment or gambling.

We invite you to join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation to ensure that Pennsylvania’s laws reflect our shared commitment to humane treatment and responsible stewardship of all animals.