In an unexpected turn of events, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India said in a press release that they stepped in to secure the release of a pigeon held as case property for an astonishing eight months at the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals (BSDPHA) in Parel.
The pigeon was previously kept in custody by the Indian authorities on suspicions of being a Chinese spy, as reported by the Hindustan Times on 17 January.
Background of the Case
In May 2023, the Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF) Police Station found a pigeon with an illegible message on its wings, raising suspicions of spying.
As part of the investigation, the police seized the bird and sent it to BSDPHA for a medical examination. However, the pigeon remained in custody for an extended period, prompting PETA India to take action.
PETA India’s Intervention
A PETA India representative contacted officials at the RCF Police Station, urging them to expedite the release of the pigeon without further delay. The hospital had sought formal permission to release the bird, which was healthy and unnecessarily kept in a cage. After unsuccessful attempts to obtain a response from the police, PETA India’s intervention proved effective.
Release of the Pigeon
Colonel (Retd) Dr B. B. Kulkarni, Chief Medical Superintendent of BSDPHA, released the pigeon on the hospital premises. PETA India’s prompt action and advocacy led to the police promptly granting a no-objection certificate, allowing for the bird’s release.
Legal Perspectives on Bird Freedom
The Honourable High Court of Gujarat, in its judgment in Abdulkadar Mohamad Azam Sheikh vs State of Gujarat & Ors dated May 12, 2011, acknowledged birds’ fundamental right to live free in the open sky, emphasizing that they should not be caged. Similarly, the Honourable High Court of Delhi, in its order dated May 15, 2015, recognized the fundamental right of birds to fly and emphasized that caging them for business or other purposes should not be permitted.
Image source: PETA India