In a surprising turn of events, more than 300 pigeons have been rescued from a residence in Wilkes-Barre, prompting a community-wide effort to find them new homes. The birds, discovered in distressing conditions, are now under the care of the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, which is actively seeking adopters.
Pigeons Rescued Amid Unsanitary Conditions
The situation unfolded when Wilkes-Barre Animal Control requested assistance from the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center due to what was termed “a sad and devastating hoarding situation” at a property on Jones Street. Health Director Henry Radulski reported that the conditions were so severe that the residence, comprising two units, was deemed unsuitable for human habitation.
According to Radulski, the investigation began after a humane officer received a complaint about a persistent odor emanating from the home. Upon entry, unsanitary conditions and a large number of pigeons were discovered. “Upon getting in there, she saw unsanitary conditions, a lack of water and a large number of pigeons,” Radulski stated.
Efforts to Rehome the Birds
Janine Tancredi, Executive Director of the Pocono Wildlife Center, described the rescue mission as “pretty horrific,” with birds being kept in a cramped room without food or water. Volunteers worked tirelessly to rescue the birds, some of which were in poor health with missing or broken limbs.
Currently, the center is focused on rehoming the pigeons. “A lot of them are dehydrated and emaciated, [they have] external parasites, but all that’s treatable,” Tancredi noted. The organization’s goal is to have the birds adopted within two weeks. They are not available for meat, racing, or release into the wild due to their strong homing instincts.
Additional challenges remain as several cats are still in the residence, and efforts are ongoing to secure placements for them as well. “The focus was on the pigeons, and it was such an enormous job,” Radulski explained. The next steps involve ensuring the welfare of the cats left behind.
Understanding and Preventing Future Incidents
Efforts to understand how the situation escalated are ongoing. Tancredi speculates that the resident, described as an elderly person, may have initially kept a few pigeons which then rapidly multiplied. “I don’t think this was done malevolently,” Tancredi expressed, indicating the situation likely spiraled out of control.
Pocono Wildlife is appealing to the community for support in the form of donations and awareness. “We’re always looking for donations and help,” Tancredi emphasized. She also urged residents to speak up if they suspect neglect or hoarding situations in their neighborhoods, noting that signs such as persistent odor and visible waste should not be ignored.
For those interested in adopting pigeons, Tancredi can be reached via text at 267-266-1277. The center emphasizes that the birds require veterinary evaluation and treatment, underscoring the need for committed adopters.
