We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Behavior

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Why Was a Pigeon Detained for 8 Months by Police in India?

Margaret Lipman
By
Published: Feb 07, 2024
Views: 1
Share

It seems you can never be too careful when it comes to pigeons. At least, that’s the approach the Indian authorities took with a pigeon that turned up near a port in Mumbai last May. The bird aroused suspicions because it had metal rings on one of its legs and appeared to have Chinese writing beneath its wings.

Amidst an atmosphere of heightened geopolitical tensions between the world’s two most populous nations, that was enough for police to hold the pigeon in custody while investigations were carried out. The bird’s eight months in detention began in a Mumbai jail, though it was later transferred to the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals.

Eventually, the police decided that concerns that the pigeon was engaged in some form of espionage on behalf of China were unfounded, and it was released on January 30.

Experts say that the bird was most likely a racing pigeon from Taiwan that got lost, though how it managed to end up in India’s largest city, some 3,000 miles (4,828 km) away, is still a mystery. Pigeons are capable of flying around 620 miles (1,000 km) in a day, so the bird in question would have had to make stops along the way, or it could have “stowed away” on an eastbound boat.

Pigeon racing is a popular pastime in China and Taiwan, and successful birds can be very valuable. In the Taiwanese pigeon racing format, the birds are released at sea and have to rely on their homing instinct to get back to land, which may be up to 310 miles (499 km) away across the open ocean. Yet they sometimes get lost and end up in completely the wrong place. The animal rights group PETA, which was involved in lobbying for the bird’s freedom, has also spoken out against pigeon racing in Taiwan, as countless birds die every year when they don’t make it back to land or are killed for being too slow.

Don’t trust that pigeon:

  • Similar pigeon detentions occurred in India in 2015 and 2020, though in those cases, the birds were suspected of spying for Pakistan.

  • The use of pigeons in reconnaissance and espionage has a historical basis. Pigeons are known for their speed and homing instinct, while their preference for congregating in large flocks has helped conceal their sometimes covert activities. Pigeons were used extensively for carrying messages (often vital intelligence information) in both World War I and World War II.

  • There is evidence of “pigeon post” being used to send messages as far back as ancient Egypt and ancient Rome. In recent years, reports have surfaced of pigeons being used to smuggle cell phones, narcotics, batteries, and USB cords across borders and into prisons.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Margaret Lipman
By Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range of topics. Her articles cover essential areas such as finance, parenting, health and wellness, nutrition, educational strategies. Margaret's writing is guided by her passion for enriching the lives of her readers through practical advice and well-researched information.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Margaret Lipman
Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/why-was-a-pigeon-detained-for-8-months-by-police-in-india.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.