New-York tribune., 1902-02-13
WOUNDED PIGEONS IN LOFTS.
STRENUOUS PROTEST AGAINST USING LIVE
BIRDS FOR SPORTS.
Tsr TELEGRAPH TO THE TR1BUSE.l


Albany Ven 12-Evidence of much interest was
given to-day at hearing on the Bennet-siAter
bill prohibiting the shooting OF pigeons rom
The hearing was before the Assembly committee
on Fisheries and Game
The onnosition tried to show that the sport was
not cruel and that the bill should not be passed
because in a recent tournament only seven huhoreu
birds out of forty thousand, IL was sald were hoe
killed within the grounds. The fact that seven
hundred birds huttered away wounded. and per-
haps dying was regarded by the opposition as 100
trivial matter to be considered Several mem
bers of the committee, including Assemoiymen
Doughty and Robinson. gave the impression that
they opposed the measure by frequently quesuoh-
ing those who spoke in its favor.
Although two hearings have now been held and
although the bill is the first on the hles OF me
committee that body again postponed acton on tne
measure tonight. Among those who spoke for the
bill was Ernest H Crosby. exjudse of the lnterna-
tional Court Of Arbitration at Cairo and ex-presl-
dent of the Civic Union and Social Reform ClUo
He said:
Those who are fighting the proposed prohibition
better argument than would the coal trust should
it declare that the prohibition OF 1urning az me ne
stake would hurt its business. This Dill SEEKS 10
do away with barbarous sport. and nlnety-nlne n ne
out of every hundred citizens of the state want " 10
We deplore bullhghts in. Spain and would ,3,S thToT
rentroduced And yet we are saPe,iOnns under der
more nS sfsarns ipsn ether Of these Where one
bull is slaughtered ten thousands OF pigeons are
butchered or tortured TO death
Proof was given by Horace E. Henderson. the
master of st. Paurs School, of Garden City. Long
Island that the shooting of pigeons was now going
on even in the cold winter months in the vicinity
of that school. He said that many wounded pigeons
were found bleeding and freezing the snow. he
said that he mad found dying pigeons among
They tell u.s. he said that the sportsman who
enjoys pigeon trap shooting shoots to kill why. II
was only short time that found two wounded
birds in the organ lOfI OF chapel at Garden
W ny IS 1t tnat day after day my nelgnbors ana
myself have found dozens of MANNED birds on the
window sills and doorsteps of our houses?"
Mr.. Henderson then submitted petition In favor
of Garden City. asking the legislature to pass the
bill One of the opposition then said We'll, Mr..
henderson; no petition has been received from
Hempstead like yours
Certainly not replied Mr.. Henderson. because
they are not aware, as we are who live near where
the birds are shot of the cruel way in which these
birds shot"
Ex-AssembIyman Cooley of westchester County.
that in watching such =hooting contests he had
seen pigeons escape from the traps dripping with
blood and seek refuge wherever they could find it
in the neighborhOOd
Between cockhghting and pigeon shooting" he
said, Il would prefer the former. The rooster has
cred outright or tortured 10 a SLOW death" James
P. Keenan,. president of the States Sportsman AS
sOciation; George 5. McAlpil ne amateur pigeon
shot; 3. B- MCAlpin OF the OS>-ling Gun Club, and
Walter Sykes, of the New-Utrecht Gun Club. ap-
ptared 10 oppose the bill.
Mr.. keenan, admitted that at least 10000 pigeons
are Killed annually in this So-calIed sport. The
Senate BILL which was introduced by Senator Slater
kill 1t.