Campaign launched against pigeon shoots

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Charles Thompson
The Patriot-News

A group of animal rights activists vowed today to take its war against Pennsylvania’s remaining live pigeon shoots directly to the people this year, aided by a $1 million gift from former television personality Bob Barker.

That money will be used to fuel a Web site entitled "PAShame.org," billboards depicting a falling, blood-spattered feather, and possible television and radio spots, said Steve Hindi of Illinois-based Showing Animals Respect and Kindness, or SHARK.

"We’re going to put these billboards up all over Pennsylvania," said Hindi, who said his group had documented two shoots in Bucks and Berks counties just this weekend. "And if Pennsylvania wants to be a pariah — not only in this country but in the world — just let these pigeon shoots keep going."

Hindi, speaking at a Capitol news conference, also issued a warning to Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett — whom he accused of failing to charge shoot organizers under the state’s existing cruelty to animals statute — that he can expect a SHARK presence at some of his campaign rallies.

"The protests are coming back," Hindi said, vowing to "find out Corbett’s campaign schedule, and me and Tom are going to be good buddies."

A Corbett spokesman said SHARK’s wrath may be misplaced. Kevin Harley contended violations of animal cruelty statutes are clearly in the jurisdiction of county prosecutors, and the Attorney General’s office could only intervene at the request of local prosecutors.