Dept cracks down on pigeon fanciers for killing falcons

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 30

Following a spate of killings of falcons by pigeon fanciers, the Wildlife Department has launched a crackdown to put an end to this menace. On the basis of recent posts on social media, the department has identified some culprits and FIRs have been registered.

Department officials confirm that they are likely to register at least 24 FIRs once they complete their initial probe. Pigeon fanciers target raptors as these hunt and kill domesticated birds. The department has already registered four cases and probes are on in another six more incidents.

Pigeon fanciers use hooks, guns and even attach iron claws on pigeons to kill or cause injuries to falcons. “We spend lakhs to train our birds, which are our livelihood. Sometimes when a bird tries to prey on our pigeons, we have to use harsh methods,” said a pigeon fancier in Patiala.

Kuldip Kumar Lomis, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), said: “We recently received some complaints and immediately initiated a crackdown on the menace. We have formed multiple teams for a detailed probe. We have asked the officials to prepare a statewide inventory of pigeon fanciers and associated clubs. The officials have already inspected over 100 pigeon fanciers in four days.”

The department has initiated legal action for posting disturbing videos showing killing of raptors on social media against Nirmal Singh alias Billa, Gurpreet Singh of Sandoha village (Bathinda), Guri Dhanoa of Gharuan (Mohali), and Gurpreet Singh of Lohara village (Ludhiana).