Fake tag claim offers pigeon a death row reprieve | Inquirer News

Fake tag claim offers pigeon a death row reprieve

/ 04:05 PM January 15, 2021

Melbourne, Australia A racing pigeon detained by Australian authorities and set to be destroyed over concerns it was an American intruder received a lifeline Friday when experts revealed its leg tag was probably fake.

Originally thought to have flown from Alabama to a backyard in Melbourne an epic journey of 14,500 kilometers (9,000 miles) “Joe” the racing pigeon made headlines around the world.

Australian media had reported that Melbourne man Kevin Chelli-Bird discovered the pigeon who he named after president-elect Joe Biden with an ankle band linked to a US racing bird.

Article continues after this advertisement

As news spread, quarantine officials labeled Joe a “biosecurity risk” and suggested he might have to be humanely destroyed to prevent possible disease.

FEATURED STORIES

But as execution loomed for the feathered flyer on Friday, pigeon enthusiasts cast doubt on Joe’s identity.

The American-style racing band around Joe’s leg appeared to be a knock-off available online and often used by local owners.

Article continues after this advertisement

And it transpired that Joe was not a US racing breed, as his tag seemed to suggest, but a local Turkish Tumbler.

Article continues after this advertisement

“They’re not bred for flying long distances, they’re bred for tricks in the air. So they’re like a show bird really,” Lars Scott from Pigeon Rescue Melbourne told AFP.

Article continues after this advertisement

Scott’s claim that the tag was a fake was backed up by the American Racing Pigeon Union, which posted on Facebook to try to save Joe.

The union said the American owner of the bird linked to the tag said he did not own Joe.

Article continues after this advertisement

Quarantine officials said they were still working to uncover Joe’s origin.

“The bird was tagged with what appears to be a US identification – the department is still working to determine its authenticity,” an Agriculture Department spokesperson said.

Earlier, Australia’s deputy prime minister had a stern message for Joe.

“If Joe has come in a way that has not met our strict biosecurity measures then — bad luck Joe, either fly home or face the consequences,” Michael McCormack told media.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

McCormack’s predecessor previously threatened to euthanize Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s pet dogs when they were illegally brought into the country.

TAGS: Animal, Australia, biosecurity, fake tag, Joe, pigeon

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.