Indian police seize 150 'spy' pigeons smuggled over border with Pakistan
Police become suspicious after finding birds have magnetic bracelets attached to them
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Over 150 ‘spy’ pigeons have been seized by police in India, after officers became suspicious they were being used for espionage.
A police spokesman from the city of Jammu in Kashmir state said a large number of pigeons had been discovered “cruelly” packed into a banana container and were rescued under the Cruelty to Animals Act during a routine inspection.
Security officials noticed the pigeons had coloured rings attached to their legs and magnetic bracelets around their necks, raising suspicions about what the birds were being used for.
The pigeons were reportedly suffering from severe dehydration following their journey, and were handed over to local welfare charity Save Animals Value Environment (SAVE).
An activist from SAVE said the largest pigeons had had their wings clipped, Times of India reported.
The local deputy commissioner in Jammu has ordered an investigation into the capture of the birds, and said the pigeons would only be released once the investigation was completed.
Last week, police in India intercepted a suspected spy pigeon after it was found to be carrying an “abusive” note addressed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Officials said they believed the bird was sent from Pakistan, and clipped its wings to prevent it flying back to the country. Animal rights campaigners have condemned the clipping of wings as being inhumane.
Pathankot police officer Rakesh Kumar told AFP police were "investigating the matter very seriously" as the “area is sensitive” near Jammu.
On 23 September, another pigeon with "some words written in Urdu" was found in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district and taken into custody.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments