Homing Pigeon Left in the Wild: Patient 22-1552

Patient 22-1552 spent his final days at the center knowing love and comfort before passing from starvation and an overload of parasites despite medical care.

Inhumane Pigeon Activities

This pigeon is not a wild bird. The pink dye on its head and back tell only part of his story. Pink dye is often put on pigeons for sport, either homing or racing. It’s also thought to help keep pigeons safe from predators as they are released into the wild to “find their way home.” Dying and releasing pigeons is also common practice during ceremonial releases like weddings and funerals.

Domestic pigeons rely on human care unlike their wild Rock Pigeon cousins. Domestics have bright colors that make them easier for predators to see, and unfortunately, most do not know how to find food or defend themselves.

WSWC’s Non-Releasable Domestic Pigeons

While we are a wildlife rehabilitation center, we still support the care of domesticated animals left in the wild. We permanently care for several homing and fancy pigeons that were discarded by their previous owners.