ISP: More than 50 pigeons recovered from dumpster

WHITE COUNTY, Ind.  (WISH) – More than 50 pigeons were found in a dumpster, according to the Indiana State Police.

ISP says that on Dec. 10 around 1:30 a.m., an officer responded to a White County rest park for a call about birds in a dumpster.

Upon arrival at the scene, several boxes containing live birds were discovered in a dumpster. Five of the birds were dead due to injuries and malnutrition. Two more birds later died. 

In total, 57 birds were found.

Police believe the birds more than likely came from an illegal pigeon gambling race. In such an activity, the pigeons’ wings are clipped and then are forced to run around a track for betting purposes.

The 50 remaining birds will be up for adoption in the next several weeks after birds have fully recovered from their injuries, police say.