Live pigeon shoots still take place in Pennsylvania, one of only a few states where these contests continue. Birds are held in crates, then let out of traps and gunned down at close range for cash prizes and fun. Many do not die right away. They are left with shattered wings, broken bones, and internal injuries, and some fly off wounded only to die hours or even days afterward.

For decades, efforts to end the practice in the state legislature have failed. Senate Bill 1159 and House Bill 1097 would outlaw these contests, but neither bill will pass before this session ends. So 29 state lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats alike, have teamed up with 29 organizations, from animal welfare groups to Audubon societies, to ask the Pennsylvania Game Commission to step in.

The coalition says the Commission already has the power to act under Title 34, Pennsylvania’s Game and Wildlife Code. The proposed rule would ban organized shooting contests that use live birds as targets. Lawful hunting would stay exactly as it is.

Some strong supporters of hunting want these events gone too. Using live pigeons as targets in organized shooting contests “is neither hunting nor sport,” according to state Rep. Mike Jones (R-York).

These shoots serve no conservation purpose. The birds are treated as throwaway targets, and lead shot from thousands of rounds can pollute soil and nearby water. Meanwhile, clay targets already work well for trap, skeet, and Olympic shooters.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission does not have to wait for another legislative session. Sign the petition to tell the Commission to ban live pigeon shoots before more birds are left to suffer.