Pennsylvania shamefully remains the only state in the country to actively engage in the outdated practice of live pigeon shooting competitions.  Pigeons in these competitions are exposed to extreme cruelty, including prolonged death and neglect, in the name of a "sport."  Pennsylvania's leaders have continuously refused to enact laws to ban this practice; however, HUMANE ACTION Pittsburgh will continue to fight to end pigeon shooting competitions in our state until we receive adequate protection for our pigeons.

In July 2019, Senate Bill 787, a bill that would prohibit the use of live animals for target trap shoots or block shoots was introduced by Senators Browne, Farnese, Fontana, K. Ward, Santarsiero, Collett, Yudichak, Hughes, Dinniman, Killion, Leach, Blake, Tartaglione, Costa, and Muth.  Despite widespread support, including additional co-sponsorship by Senators Haywood and Street, the bill has not seen much movement.  The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has historically let this bill die, even after a record number of 36 PA Senators voted in its favor in 2014.

HAP encourages legislators to contribute to its letter writing campaign to end pigeon shooting.

On the local level, HUMANE ACTION Pittsburgh has worked to ensure its city laws protect pigeons and helped pass an amendment that strengthened an existing ordinance to restrict the trapping and sale of wild birds.