Pigeons Shot, Then Beaten And Neck-Broken At Pennsylvania Gun Club

Over Labor Day weekend, participants at the Erdman Sportsmen’s Association gathered for a live pigeon shoot, where captured pigeons were released into the air and shot for points, cash and prizes.

Humane World for Animals said the birds are often illegally captured and brought into Pennsylvania from neighboring states. After each round, the birds are collected in nets. Some are dead, while wounded birds are killed by slamming them, snapping or snipping their heads off, or breaking their necks.

The birds are then thrown into barrels or piles with others that are dead or dying. Observers have noted that some wounded birds may be left suffering for hours or days before dying.

Kristen Tullo, Pennsylvania state director for Humane World for Animals, said, “It is unconscionable that this cruelty is still allowed in the Keystone State. Several generations of Pennsylvania lawmakers have been told about this cruel, shameful and embarrassing practice, and have done nothing to end it. No animal deserves to suffer for the sake of fun and games, and pigeons have suffered long enough without action from the legislature.”

A June 2026 poll commissioned by Humane World for Animals found that 78% of Pennsylvania voters oppose live pigeon shoots, while 10% support them. Another 82% supported replacing live birds with clay targets.

Pennsylvania is the only state where live pigeon shoots still regularly occur. Senators Lisa Boscola and Jay Costa and Representative Perry Warren have introduced legislation to ban the practice.