People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent a letter to the Brooklyn, N.Y., district attorney’s office that says the Brooklyn-based show is cruel to animals and its races are nothing more than illegal gambling.
The show airs next year on Animal Planet. A spokeswoman says there have never been plans for wagering on the races. She says the pigeons will be “cherished and respected by their owners,” including Tyson.
PETA countered by claiming making any money off animal racing (including Tyson’s salary) is illegal, so the point is moot.
District attorney spokesman Jonah Bruno says the office is looking into the allegations. –gerald radford
