Wildlife Officials in Karuwalagaswewa nabbed a group of people who were taking 359 pigeons in boxes for a pigeon flying competition.
The competition had been organized by a pigeon breeders’ association.
The pigeons were kept in boxes and were being transported through the Mylankulam area in Wanathawilluwa near the Tabbowa Sanctuary when they were apprehended by Wildlife Officials.
The release of domesticated pigeons in the vicinity of the sanctuary is prohibited under the Wildlife Act and the 359 pigeons kept in 11 cages were taken into custody by the wildlife officials along with the vehicle brought by the members of the association.
The 359 pigeons were taken out of the Tabbowa Sanctuary and released near the DS Senanayake College playground in Tabbowa by the officers.
The pigeon flying competition by the association is said to be an annual event and the 369 birds had 60 owners, officials said.
Very well grown pigeons were brought to the competition and they are well trained birds for the competition, they added.
Add new comment