SOLEDAD — SPCA Monterey County is currently caring for nine pet fantail pigeons who were found abandoned on the side of Highway 146 in Soledad last week.
SPCA humane officers are seeking information about the person who abandoned the birds.
In the evening on Aug. 10, multiple fantail pigeons were abandoned on Highway 146, about three miles off of Metz Road in Soledad. The citizen who found the pigeons brought them to safety at Los Coches Animal Hospital, and then they were brought to the SPCA Wildlife Center for care.
There were 10 surviving birds, all of which are in poor condition and showing signs of neglect, including suffering from feather mites. One pigeon was hit by a car and seriously injured before rescue, and needed to be “humanely euthanized to end his suffering,” SPCA said in a news release.
Another rescued bird is very ill and under treatment.
In addition, SPCA humane officers located a bag filled with deceased birds, and there was evidence that an unknown number of birds had been hit by cars and killed before they were rescued.
Fantail pigeons are a popular breed of pet fancy pigeons known for their large fan-shaped tails and a lifespan of 10 to 20 years.
“Animal abandonment is a crime,” SPCA said. “If you can no longer care for your pets, there are always humane options, including surrendering them to the SPCA or a local rescue group.”
Anyone with information about this case or who can identify the pigeons is asked to contact the SPCA at 831-373-2631. All calls are confidential.
According to the SPCA, the owners could potentially be charged with such offenses as animal cruelty, abandonment, permitting animals to go without care and deprivation of food, water and shelter.
“SPCA Monterey County thanks the kind citizen who found the birds and Los Coches Animal Hospital for safely housing the birds overnight,” SPCA said.
