Cruel discovery in Parndorf, Burgenland: A veterinary clinic worker discovered the carcasses of mutilated pigeons tied together on a nearby dirt road. The police see no evidence of animal abuse. Referendum demands for a federal hunting law are growing louder.
The neck tied with a cord, the body torn – while walking her two dogs, the employee of a veterinary clinic in Parndorf (Bgld.) discovered the remains of dead pigeons.
The find was documented by local police. The veterinary assistant offered to examine the animal’s carcass using an X-ray to determine a possible cause of death. “It would be interesting to know if the pigeons were shot or died of a broken neck,” said the animal lover. But the police decided otherwise and the remains were removed without examination.
A bird divides the minds
The pigeon is polarizing – both in the city and in the countryside. It is considered a symbol of peace and at the same time hated by many as the “rat of the air”. Their remains are a problem for cultural monuments or a nuisance for homeowners. Pigeons are sometimes shot at random, poisoned or often used as a dummy for hunting dog training – keyword “pigeon throwing”.
However, the cords around the pigeons’ necks may also indicate that the animals were tied to the “gill wagon”, as used for hunting small game (pheasants, partridges and brown hares), and fell from the wagon during transport .
Wood pigeon and Turk pigeon released for the shooting
At the request of the “Krone”, the State Police Directorate informed Burgenland that although the case in Parndorf had not yet been concluded, there was no evidence of animal cruelty. The wood pigeon and Turkish pigeon can still be shot in Burgenland until mid-April. And the possible use of dead pigeons as training dummies “does not constitute animal abuse,” according to the lieutenant colonel responsible.
Even if the pigeon breed is currently approved for hunting, carcasses should at least be discarded and not left in the field. Every year the environment in Austria is poisoned by tons of lead from ammunition. This is a danger to the environment (soil poisoning), to animals and last but not least to people (lead contamination of game).
The complete ban on the use of lead-containing ammunition is one of the demands of the referendum for a federal hunting law. All information about this can be found here.
A referendum can save endangered species
The European Birds Directive is the most effective legal instrument for the conservation of bird populations in Europe. However, it allows the hunting of 24 bird species across the EU and, under Article Seven, a further 58 in some countries. The referendum for a federal hunting law also means that endangered species such as the turtle dove and partridge may no longer be considered huntable in Austria in the future.
Declarations of support for the referendum for all voters in Austria, online using a mobile phone signature or in an Austrian municipal office (bring photo ID).
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
