CBS NEWS
A pigeon suspected of spying for China was released from captivity this week after Indian officials had detained it, according to PETA India. The animal welfare organization intervened after hearing that the pigeon had been held at an animal hospital for eight months.
India’s RCF Police Station in Mumbai found the pigeon in May 2023, according to PETA. The bird had writing on its wings, but the message was illegible. Authorities suspected it was being used for spying.
The pigeon was sent to Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals to be examined medically and investigated.
Months later, the animal hospital asked police if they could release the bird, since the bird was healthy and was taking up a cage at the hospital.
PETA India intervened when officials failed to provide an appropriate response. The police department eventually told the hospital they could release the bird.
In 2011, an Indian court ruled birds have a fundamental right to live free in the open sky, according to PETA. Caging birds in the country is not allowed following a 2015 order…
