Criminal Justice
Seven Accused of Killing Pigeon Predators
Federal agents went undercover to find evidence that members of roller pigeon clubs were illegally killing hawks and falcons that were eating specially bred birds.
Roller pigeons are bred to suffer seizures in flight that send them plummeting to the ground, according to the Los Angeles Times. Enthusiasts have contests to see who can best make the birds plummet in unison.
But predators were eating the free-falling birds, leading some breeders to trap and kill hawks and falcons, according to an indictment released Thursday. Seven California men were arrested in the investigation, dubbed Operation High Roller.
Among those indicted was Juan Navarro, president of the National Birmingham Roller Pigeon Club, according to the story.
