RSPCA Cymru has launched an appeal for information after five youths were seen throwing a live pigeon in the air near Quakers Yard train station. The bird was so badly injured that it had to be put down.
The incident took place on Thursday, August 20, at 12pm on a public footpath near Quakers Yard train station in Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil. It was witnessed by a dog walker, who collected the injured pigeon and contacted the RSPCA.
Witness describes distressing scene
RSPCA deputy chief inspector Gemma Black said: “This must have been very upsetting and shocking to see with the witness reporting that the pigeon was thrown in the air back and forth between themselves.
“The member of the public was able to collect the injured pigeon and contacted the RSPCA. We’d like to thank them for their help and compassion.”
Ms Black, who went to collect the pigeon, said the bird had been badly injured. “At the vet they confirmed it had a broken wing and sadly had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds,” she said.
“Although we don’t know when this injury happened it is worrying that the pigeon was found like this after being seen thrown about.”
Legal protection for wild birds
All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to deliberately kill, injure, or take one except under licence. Any permitted lethal control must involve more humane methods. Anyone found contravening this could face up to six months imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
The RSPCA is now appealing for anyone with first-hand information to get in touch. “We’re appealing for anyone with first-hand information to get in touch to help us with our inquiries,” said Ms Black.
“The youths were described as male and aged between 15 and 18.
“Our inspectorate appeal line can be reached on 0300 123 8018 and incident number 1888430 can be quoted.
“We would encourage everyone to show kindness to wildlife. We share our space with a variety of wild animals. Every kind of animal deserves our care and respect.”
Rise in summer cruelty reports
This month the RSPCA has been championing pigeons, described as "one of the nation's most misunderstood yet completely remarkable birds," as part of its Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues fundraising campaign. The campaign coincides with the charity’s busiest time as cruelty reports peak over summer.
Statistics show the animal charity has received its highest number of summer cruelty reports involving wild birds in five years, with lethal weapons such as catapults, slingshots, and airguns being used. Latest figures reveal 359 incidents involving wild birds were reported during July and August 2025 across England and Wales. That is almost double the 179 reports received during the same period in 2024 and the highest summer total recorded in the past five years.
The RSPCA statement added: "Pigeons are often targets of this cruelty as they tend to live in urban areas and are comfortable with living alongside humans.
"Some dismiss them as ‘rats with wings’ and get angry when they scavenge for food but it was humans that domesticated them in the first place and there is a lot more to a pigeon than meets the eye.
"In fact we have a lot to thank them for."
