More than 500 pigeons were recently rescued from a property in Greensboro, North Carolina, in an operation involving multiple animal welfare organizations. The incident highlights the challenges of unregulated animal keeping and the often-surprising realities of domestic pigeon care.
The Rescue Operation
Guildford County Animal Services, along with two Charlotte-based bird rescues, responded to a call initially estimated to involve around 300 birds. Upon arrival, responders discovered approximately 550 pigeons confined within a shed behind the vacant home.
“When I walked in, my jaw kind of hit the floor,” rescuer Dillya Eisert told WFMY. The sheer number of birds required over 12 crates and carriers to transport safely. Animal control officers, veterinary technicians, and animal care specialists worked together to collect the pigeons without injury.
The home’s former tenants, according to relatives, housed the birds in the basement. The property is currently unoccupied, leaving the circumstances surrounding the large-scale pigeon keeping unclear.
Rehabilitation and Adoption
Carolina Waterfowl Rescue is now caring for the recovered pigeons, providing food and medical attention. Healthy birds will eventually be made available for adoption.
This situation raises questions about the responsible keeping of domestic animals and the need for oversight when large numbers of animals are involved. While pigeons are often dismissed as pests, experts emphasize that they can be affectionate, clean, and long-lived pets—averaging 10 to 15 years—when properly cared for.
Challenging Misconceptions
The Association of Avian Veterinarians points out that pigeons have been unfairly maligned. Veterinarians Maryella Cohn and Zoë Selby note that pigeons “prefer to be clean!” and require regular bathing to maintain their plumage. This contrasts sharply with the common perception of pigeons as “rats with wings.”
The rescue underscores the importance of humane treatment for all animals, even those frequently overlooked or misunderstood. Effective animal welfare requires both intervention in extreme cases and ongoing education about proper care practices.
