Friends of Animals has been closely monitoring the pigeon-poaching problem that is plaguing NYC, and today, we are happy to report a massive victory regarding the issue.

On the morning of Wednesday, April 30, officers from the 9th Precinct in NYC arrested Dwanye Daley, 67, of Bushkill, Pennsylvania. This was in response to a 6:55 a.m. report of a man using a large black net to catch pigeons in Tompkins Square Park.

When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered Daley arguing with another parkgoer—perhaps the same concerned citizen who sounded the alarm and called police. Cheers to them for standing up for pigeons!

Police were able to track down Daley’s truck nearby, which displayed Pennsylvania license plates and contained around 25 pigeons, small cages and more nets.

Daley now faces a load of animal cruelty charges under New York’s Agricultural Markets Law. Police sources stated that Daley has an arrest record in New York dating back to 1982 – and a New York Times article from 2007 confirms that this is NOT Dwayne’s first time stealing birds.

Updated reporting instructions

Now, the NYPD is asking the public to immediately dial 911 if they suspect anyone of kidnapping pigeons in New York. This is great news, and we are pleased with the rapid response and attention to the matter provided by officers of the 9th Precinct.

25+ pigeons will live free, as they deserve, thanks to the brave park-going whistleblower and police.

But we are still asking New York friends to be vigilant. There are likely other kidnappers working alongside Daley, and pigeon advocates should continue to keep their eyes peeled—cruel people like Daley need to be held accountable for their crimes against wildlife.