Okay, folks.  It is time to start a letter writing campaign.  We have over 400 signatures.  If we can get everyone to write a letter to their state representatives and senators, maybe we can make a difference and get this horrible sport banned.   Here is a sample letter you can use.  Please add some pictures, and any relative personal stories you can share.   Please take a half hour and write some letters to help to save these poor babies. 

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

The Honorable [Representative’s Full Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Request to Ban Pigeon Racing and Ceremonial Dove Releases in [State Name]

Dear Representative [Last Name],

I am writing to you today not only as a constituent, but as a human being deeply disturbed by two widespread and largely overlooked forms of animal cruelty that take place legally in our state: pigeon racing and the release of doves at funerals, weddings, and other events.

Though often marketed as wholesome tradition or innocent symbolism, these practices hide disturbing realities that result in the suffering, abandonment, and deaths of countless birds—all for entertainment, profit, or fleeting ceremony.

Pigeon Racing: A Hidden Industry of Death

Pigeon racing may seem like a harmless hobby to the public, but the reality is far darker. The birds are raised domestically.  They rely on their caretakers for food and water, allowed to fall in love, mate and have offspring.  Then the birds are trucked hundreds of miles away and released to frantically navigate their way home across unfamiliar and dangerous terrain. Many never make it. Some crash into buildings, are hit by vehicles, or collapse mid-air from exhaustion. Others are torn apart by predators or perish from dehydration and hunger along the way.  

In some races, especially those crossing long distances or challenging conditions, over 60% of birds do not survive the journey. These are not accidents—they are the expected casualties of the sport. These birds are often bred and trained like disposable machines, with little regard for their welfare. Pigeons who are too slow or don’t return are commonly culled—gassed, drowned, or simply killed outright, as they are no longer profitable.

Moreover, pigeon racing has been tied to illegal gambling, animal cruelty, and violations of wildlife protection laws, yet enforcement remains lax.

Dove Releases: A Death Sentence Disguised as Symbolism

The release of white doves—typically domesticated white pigeons or white ring-necked doves—is marketed as a symbol of peace, love, or the soul's ascension. Gender reveal doves are spray painted.  But what really happens after those doves are released into the sky?  

They die.

These birds are bred in captivity and lack the natural instincts and survival skills of wild birds. Once released, they cannot fend for themselves. Many starve to death within days, freeze in cold temperatures, or are killed by predators. It is common to find their fragile, broken bodies in parking lots, in trees, or near event venues after they are released. Sometimes they are so disoriented that they land and are run over by cars or attacked by domestic animals. Their deaths are not peaceful—they are slow, terrifying, and completely unnecessary.

In the name of brief symbolism and a photo opportunity, these birds are condemned to suffering that the audience never sees.

The Call for Compassionate Policy

As our society grows more conscious of animal sentience and welfare, it is unacceptable that such cruelty continues in the shadows of our celebrations and sports. These practices are exploitative, outdated, and incompatible with the values of empathy and compassion that we should promote.

I urge you to introduce or support legislation that would:

Ban the practice of organized pigeon racing within the state, including transportation of pigeons for the purpose of racing, and associated gambling activities.
Prohibit the commercial or ceremonial release of domesticated birds, such as pigeons and doves, for weddings, funerals, graduations, gender reveals or other events.
Create penalties for individuals and businesses who engage in or promote these acts, and direct agencies to enforce existing animal cruelty laws in cases where harm is evident.
This is not a fringe issue. It is an ethical obligation. Just because a practice is traditional or profitable does not make it right. We have the power to say: no more lives lost for spectacle. No more suffering masked as sport or sentiment.

You can view the signatures and compelling comments at https://www.change.org/stoppigeonracing  Pictures are also attached.  

Please take action to end these cruel practices. I am eager to support you in championing this issue and would be glad to provide resources or testimony if needed.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City, State]
[Email or Phone (optional)**]