SYDNEY (AUSTRALIA) – Because of the strict biosecurity rules in place, Australian authorities can put down a pigeon which came all the way from the United States. However, demands for a pardon are gaining momentum and it could get a trip back home.
In a statement, Australia’s agriculture department said “Humane destruction of the bird is the best safeguard for Australian poultry and wildlife.”
On Boxing Day, Melbourne resident Kevin Celli-Bird stumbled upon the pigeon in his garden. On one of its legs was a tag which said it was registered to a person in Alabama, USA, according to local media reports.
Authorities said an investigation is underway to ascertain the authenticity of the tag as it was highly unlikely the bird flew more than 13,000 kilometres (8,000 miles) to Australia. Instead, it could have reached the country in a cargo vessel.
Australian authorities are exploring options to manage the biosecurity hazards and they include sending the bird back to the US in case authorities there agree.
Christened “Joe”, the pigeon is now popular on social media platforms with many tweeting with the hashtag #joethepigeon seeking its safe return to the US.
“My wife named him Joe. She was going to call him Donald but we thought that might not be politically correct, so she called him Joe instead,” Celli-Bird said while speaking with TV broadcaster Nine Network.
When it comes to bringing live animals or birds into the country, Australia has strict quarantine measures in place to prevent diseases from spreading.
“If Joe has come in a way that has not met our strict biosecurity measures then bad luck Joe. Either fly home or face the consequences,” Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack told media persons.