Guest blog by Stefanie DeBernard
Imagine an event where young children are taught by their parents that harming innocent animals is not only acceptable, but to be rewarded. Imagine an innocent child, whose natural instinct is to delight in connecting with animals, being urged to shoot at them, to harm and kill them. Imagine a child being hardened to the intentional suffering of animals.
Such imaginings are disturbing and troubling and most of us cringe at the depiction of such scenes. Yet, such imaginings reflect a harsh truth: the reality of live pigeon shoots, events that still persist in some areas. But what exactly is a live pigeon shoot, and why have these not been banned in Pennsylvania?
Live pigeon shoots are competitions where pigeons are released from traps and shot for sport. Around 70% of birds are injured rather than killed instantly. After each round, untrained youth collect the wounded, ending their lives through crude methods like blunt force or neck-snapping, discarding them in piles of dying pigeons. Though most people recoil at such suffering, live pigeon shoots still exist in Pennsylvania, and their cruelty cannot be ignored.
Anyone who has known a pigeon understands they’re more than "urban pests." These intelligent, empathetic birds were domesticated thousands of years ago and have since depended on humans. Even many hunters argue that live pigeon shoots violate the principles of ethical hunting—there’s a profound difference between pursuing a wild animal in its natural environment and shooting disoriented, captive birds.
At Sleepy Hollow Acres Rescue for Animals (SHARA), I’ve had the privilege of rescuing some of the gentlest, most affectionate pigeons across the Tri-State area. Even the grumpier ones show gratitude for their care. Pigeons form deep bonds and mate for life; watching them nurture their families is heartwarming.
Take George and Dot, for example—inseparable since the day they met. Or Spencer and Blue, who recently welcomed two chicks, Honey and Pumpkin. Observing these devoted parents reminds us that pigeons are far more than mere fixtures of our landscape; they’re sentient beings who deserve our respect.
Seeing the pigeons at SHARA has strengthened my resolve to protect them. They’re a crucial part of our ecosystem, and their existence matters. If you’ve ever doubted their value, I invite you to visit our rescue and meet these extraordinary birds. You may leave questioning how anyone could harm them.
For the sake of pigeons across Pennsylvania, I urge you to lend your voice to their cause. Please ask your State Representative to co-sponsor and support the House Bill which will be re-introduced by Representative Perry Warren which will end cruel live pigeon shoots. Together, we can put a stop to this cruel practice and ensure a kinder future for these remarkable creatures.
Stefanie's animal rescue journey began in 2020 when she and her partner, Luis, took in a small flock of chickens at their Staten Island home. It wasn't long before community members learned of their unique arrangement, seeking assistance with small, atypical livestock animals across NYC. In 2022, they relocated to Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania, and founded Sleepy Hollow Acres Rescue for Animals (SHARA). While initially focused on chickens and ducks, SHARA’s mission expanded when she adopted George, the first of many rescued pigeons. Now, they champion animal rights, fighting to protect pigeons and other vulnerable creatures across the state.
