Vikarabad Police Release 250 Racing Pigeons Following Court Orders
NEWS CHARIOT (HYDERABAD, JAN.7) : In compliance with court orders, Vikarabad district police released 250 trained racing pigeons on Sunday, which had been brought to Pargi, Telangana, from Andhra Pradesh for illegal betting purposes. The birds, tagged with QR codes and numbers for identification, were intended to participate in a 350-km race to Gorantla, Andhra Pradesh, with bets placed on their performance.
Morning walkers alerted authorities after spotting a trolley carrying pigeons and two individuals releasing them. Suspicions arose due to fears of potential disease spread, specifically human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Police arrested Shaik Munnawar and Pathan Baba Jaan, who had transported the pigeons, and seized the vehicle involved.
The birds, classified as ‘homer,’ ‘grey baaz,’ and ‘tukdi neela,’ are known for their racing abilities across distances ranging from 100 km to 500 km. Police have registered cases under the Gaming Act and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and are searching for the organizer, Prem Kumar.
Pigeon betting, a seasonal activity in the region, involves races with cash prizes awarded for various milestones. While it is a common practice, authorities are clamping down on the cruelty and illegalities involved.
Key Highlights:
- Rescue Operation: 250 pigeons saved from illegal betting in Pargi.
- Tags & QR Codes: Birds marked for tracking and betting purposes.
- Crackdown: Cases registered under animal cruelty and gaming laws.
