Pennsylvania Bill to Ban Live Pigeon Shoots: Please Contact the House Judiciary Committee

Updated Nov. 22, 2025, to include email addresses.

Pigeon holding a twig in it's beak Photo by Karen Benzel

House Bill 1097 to ban barbaric pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania, sponsored by Rep. Perry Warren, has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee after securing strong bipartisan support and numerous co-sponsors. At this point, it would be most helpful to contact members of the Judiciary Committee and urge them to bring up the bill for a vote. To contact the committee, please visit the following link: House Judiciary | 2025-2026 Session - PA House of Representatives.

Live pigeon shoots are barbaric bloodsports that inflict needless terror, pain, and death on defenseless birds. These terrified pigeons—often stolen from city streets—are released mid-air only to be riddled with bullets. Many are left wounded, suffering slowly from broken necks, crushed skulls, or worse. This is cruelty masquerading as entertainment, a shameful practice that must end.

This bill defines a summary offense for individuals who willfully organize, operate, conduct, or knowingly permit a premises to be used for a contest or event where live pigeons are used as targets for amusement or as a test of skill in marksmanship. While HB 1097 leaves existing hunting and certain animal training activities untouched, its passage would still represent a significant step forward in protecting pigeons. New York City Council Member Carlina Rivera wrote to Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Rep. Matt Bradford, stressing that the bill’s passage would also help curb the illegal trafficking of pigeons from New York into Pennsylvania for these cruel events.

For more information about pigeons, please read The ‘Human’ Nature of Pigeons.

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Pennsylvania Bill to Ban Live Pigeon Shoots: Please Contact the House Judiciary Committee

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