The Philadelphia Gun Club (PGC) was cited five times for animal cruelty by Humane Officer Johnna Seeton because of pigeon shoots held at their site on State Road, Bensalem this past March.
The citations were for animal cruelty inflicted upon pigeons that were injured.
pigeons which were retrieved by SHARK at the PGC pigeon shoot
The five citations were dismissed by Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler against the PGC. According to SHARK, “this is the second time that Heckler has used his power to protect the PGC from animal cruelty charges.” The first time occurred in 2010 with Seeton citing the PGC for the same reasons.
SHARK and Officer Seeton were present in boats in the Delaware River as shooters maimed and killed pigeons in shoots in March of this year. SHARK retrieved 17 pigeons who did not survive (pictured)
According to PA cruelty statute 5511, shooting pigeons is animal cruelty. Statute 5511 clearly states the following:
(c) Cruelty to animals.–
(1) A person commits an offense if he wantonly or cruelly illtreats, overloads, beats, otherwise abuses any animal, or neglects any animal as to which he has a duty of care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise, or abandons any animal, or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal’s body heat and keep it dry.
Can the issue of cruelty to these pigeons be made any more clear? What is it that isn’t understood? And why won’t won’t these charges hold up in a court of law? Because the cases never reach that court because Heckler won’t allow it.
So why did Heckler dismiss these charges for the second time? DA Heckler has ties with Sean Corr who works for the law firm that represents the PGC. The law firm, Eastburn and Gray, was a major donor to DA Heckler when he ran for judge in 2007. Corr is also a pigeon shooter himself at the PGC.
SHARK clearly states this is corruption. SHARK states in Heckler’s campaign finance report filing 2007, cycle 5, “nearly half of the donations came from members of Eastburn and Gray, giving Heckler a total of $3,070.”
One need not read between any lines because the evidence is quite apparent. You give me a campaign contribution and I will take of you and the club.
Corruption at its best! SHARK is continuing to review Heckler’s campaign records. They have also filed an ethics complaint against Heckler. For more information on that, click here.
Meanwhile, birds continue to be abused, maimed and killed at these horrendous “hunting clubs” for enjoyment. The shooters are so good that 70% of the pigeons are not killed on impact. True hunters abhor this “sport.”
Ironically, pigeon shoots are technically against the law but this truth means nothing in the good ole’ state of PA.