PASSED HOUSE BILL TO END THE USE OF LIVE PIGEONS FOR TARGET PRACTICE

A bill that has passed the House Judiciary Committee would end the use of live pigeons for target practice. House Bill 2139 was approved by a 16-to-8 vote. Pennsylvania is the only state where pigeons are used as live targets. Representative Melissa Shusterman, who chairs the bicameral Animal Protection Caucus testified Monday that Pennsylvanians are in support of banning the practice and that hunters see no value in it. Republicans, including Rep. Rob Kauffman, voted against the bill. In Kauffman’s case, it is out of concern that the bill, if approved, would affect the rights of sportsmen.