Reuters :
A pigeon that survived the long journey to Australia from the United States could be put down due to the strict biosecurity rules in the country, but a trip back home is also on the cards after support increased for a pardon.
“Humane destruction of the bird is the best safeguard for Australian poultry and wildlife,” Australia’s agriculture department said in a statement.
Melbourne resident Kevin Celli-Bird found the pigeon in his garden on Boxing Day and discovered by way of the bird’s tag on its leg that it was registered to an owner in Alabama state in the United States, Australian media reported.
Authorities said an investigation has begun to find the authenticity of the US tag as it was unlikely the bird flew more than 13,000km to Australia and could have been a hitchhiker on a cargo vessel.
Authorities are also looking at options to manage the biosecurity risks and this may include moving the bird back to the United States, if authorities there agree.
The pigeon, which has been named “Joe”, has gained popularity in social media platforms with many tweeting with the hashtag #joethepigeon demanding its safe return to the United States.
A pigeon that survived the long journey to Australia from the United States could be put down due to the strict biosecurity rules in the country, but a trip back home is also on the cards after support increased for a pardon.
“Humane destruction of the bird is the best safeguard for Australian poultry and wildlife,” Australia’s agriculture department said in a statement.
Melbourne resident Kevin Celli-Bird found the pigeon in his garden on Boxing Day and discovered by way of the bird’s tag on its leg that it was registered to an owner in Alabama state in the United States, Australian media reported.
Authorities said an investigation has begun to find the authenticity of the US tag as it was unlikely the bird flew more than 13,000km to Australia and could have been a hitchhiker on a cargo vessel.
Authorities are also looking at options to manage the biosecurity risks and this may include moving the bird back to the United States, if authorities there agree.
The pigeon, which has been named “Joe”, has gained popularity in social media platforms with many tweeting with the hashtag #joethepigeon demanding its safe return to the United States.
