Florida Pigeon Protection Project
The Issue
Issues for Change: Every Bird Deserves Protection
Florida Pigeon Protection Project
1. Give Pigeons Greater Legal Protection in Florida
The issue: Common pigeons, also known as rock doves, are currently classified as non-protected birds under Florida wildlife rules.
Why it's important: Without meaningful protections, pigeons can be vulnerable to unnecessary killing, cruelty, and neglect. These are intelligent, social animals capable of learning, bonding, and experiencing pain and fear. They deserve more than to be treated as disposable.
Why it matters to me: Before Ruckus came into my life, I never truly understood pigeons or how much they are overlooked. Rescuing him opened my eyes to how intelligent, affectionate, and deserving of compassion these birds are. I believe their lives matter just as much as any other bird's life.
2. End Recreational Live-Pigeon Shooting
The issue: Live pigeons have been used in shooting activities and organized events where birds are released to be shot.
Why it's important: No living creature should be used as entertainment or a recreational target. These practices can result in severe injuries, suffering, and death. Florida should prohibit recreational shooting events that use live pigeons.
Why it matters to me: After caring for an injured pigeon and seeing firsthand how vulnerable these birds can be, I cannot accept the idea that another bird's suffering should be considered entertainment. Every bird deserves the chance to live, not to be released simply to become someone's target.
3. Stop Harmful Pigeon and Dove Releases
The issue: Pigeons and doves are sometimes released at weddings, memorials, celebrations, and gender reveals without proper consideration for their ability to survive or safely return.
Why it's important: Not every bird released is a trained homing pigeon. Some become lost, exhausted, injured, or exposed to predators, traffic, and dangerous weather. A beautiful moment for people can become a life-threatening experience for a bird.
Why it matters to me: I know what can happen when a bird is left injured and helpless. Ruckus was found drowning, injured, and scalped by another bird. I cannot imagine how many birds are released and never make it home, or how many suffer without anyone knowing what happened to them. I want celebrations to be beautiful without putting innocent lives at risk.
4. Stop the Use of Live Pigeons as Targets or Bait in Animal Training
The issue: Live pigeons may be used as targets or bait in certain animal-training and shooting-related practices.
Why it's important: No animal should have to suffer or die to train another animal. Using live birds in practices that deliberately expose them to injury, terror, or death raises serious animal-welfare concerns. Florida should establish clear protections against these practices.
Why it matters to me: Ruckus has a personality, feelings, routines, and a life that matters. Getting to know him has made it impossible for me to look at pigeons as disposable objects. They are living creatures, not equipment, bait, or training tools.
Why This Fight Is Personal to Me
My name is Tracey Eckman, and I am the founder of the Florida Pigeon Protection Project.
This movement began because of one bird: Ruckus.
I found Ruckus injured, drowning, and scalped by another bird. I tried to get him help, only to be told that humane euthanasia was being considered. I could not give up on him. I chose to take responsibility for his care and give him a chance.
I never expected that rescuing one pigeon would open my eyes to an issue so much bigger than I ever imagined.
Through Ruckus, I discovered how intelligent, social, affectionate, and remarkable pigeons can be. I also discovered how misunderstood they are, how often they are overlooked, and how little protection they may have.
Ruckus changed the way I see these birds forever.
I started asking myself: If I had not found Ruckus, who would have fought for him? How many other pigeons are suffering without anyone stepping in? How many are killed, abandoned, injured, or treated as if their lives have no value?
I cannot save every pigeon myself, but I can use my voice to fight for change.
I am asking Florida residents, lawmakers, wildlife officials, and animal advocates to stand with me. We need stronger protections, clearer laws, humane alternatives, and accountability for practices that cause unnecessary suffering.
This is not about making pigeons more important than other animals. It is about recognizing that their lives matter, too.
Ruckus was given a chance. I want other pigeons to have that same chance.
Every Bird Deserves Protection.
Tracey Eckman
Founder, Florida Pigeon Protection Project
86
The Issue
Issues for Change: Every Bird Deserves Protection
Florida Pigeon Protection Project
1. Give Pigeons Greater Legal Protection in Florida
The issue: Common pigeons, also known as rock doves, are currently classified as non-protected birds under Florida wildlife rules.
Why it's important: Without meaningful protections, pigeons can be vulnerable to unnecessary killing, cruelty, and neglect. These are intelligent, social animals capable of learning, bonding, and experiencing pain and fear. They deserve more than to be treated as disposable.
Why it matters to me: Before Ruckus came into my life, I never truly understood pigeons or how much they are overlooked. Rescuing him opened my eyes to how intelligent, affectionate, and deserving of compassion these birds are. I believe their lives matter just as much as any other bird's life.
2. End Recreational Live-Pigeon Shooting
The issue: Live pigeons have been used in shooting activities and organized events where birds are released to be shot.
Why it's important: No living creature should be used as entertainment or a recreational target. These practices can result in severe injuries, suffering, and death. Florida should prohibit recreational shooting events that use live pigeons.
Why it matters to me: After caring for an injured pigeon and seeing firsthand how vulnerable these birds can be, I cannot accept the idea that another bird's suffering should be considered entertainment. Every bird deserves the chance to live, not to be released simply to become someone's target.
3. Stop Harmful Pigeon and Dove Releases
The issue: Pigeons and doves are sometimes released at weddings, memorials, celebrations, and gender reveals without proper consideration for their ability to survive or safely return.
Why it's important: Not every bird released is a trained homing pigeon. Some become lost, exhausted, injured, or exposed to predators, traffic, and dangerous weather. A beautiful moment for people can become a life-threatening experience for a bird.
Why it matters to me: I know what can happen when a bird is left injured and helpless. Ruckus was found drowning, injured, and scalped by another bird. I cannot imagine how many birds are released and never make it home, or how many suffer without anyone knowing what happened to them. I want celebrations to be beautiful without putting innocent lives at risk.
4. Stop the Use of Live Pigeons as Targets or Bait in Animal Training
The issue: Live pigeons may be used as targets or bait in certain animal-training and shooting-related practices.
Why it's important: No animal should have to suffer or die to train another animal. Using live birds in practices that deliberately expose them to injury, terror, or death raises serious animal-welfare concerns. Florida should establish clear protections against these practices.
Why it matters to me: Ruckus has a personality, feelings, routines, and a life that matters. Getting to know him has made it impossible for me to look at pigeons as disposable objects. They are living creatures, not equipment, bait, or training tools.
Why This Fight Is Personal to Me
My name is Tracey Eckman, and I am the founder of the Florida Pigeon Protection Project.
This movement began because of one bird: Ruckus.
I found Ruckus injured, drowning, and scalped by another bird. I tried to get him help, only to be told that humane euthanasia was being considered. I could not give up on him. I chose to take responsibility for his care and give him a chance.
I never expected that rescuing one pigeon would open my eyes to an issue so much bigger than I ever imagined.
Through Ruckus, I discovered how intelligent, social, affectionate, and remarkable pigeons can be. I also discovered how misunderstood they are, how often they are overlooked, and how little protection they may have.
Ruckus changed the way I see these birds forever.
I started asking myself: If I had not found Ruckus, who would have fought for him? How many other pigeons are suffering without anyone stepping in? How many are killed, abandoned, injured, or treated as if their lives have no value?
I cannot save every pigeon myself, but I can use my voice to fight for change.
I am asking Florida residents, lawmakers, wildlife officials, and animal advocates to stand with me. We need stronger protections, clearer laws, humane alternatives, and accountability for practices that cause unnecessary suffering.
This is not about making pigeons more important than other animals. It is about recognizing that their lives matter, too.
Ruckus was given a chance. I want other pigeons to have that same chance.
Every Bird Deserves Protection.
Tracey Eckman
Founder, Florida Pigeon Protection Project
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on October 29, 2026