The couple who owned the pigeons were taken into custody by police and detained in an unrelated case, according to officials. Their caravan with the pigeons was left unattended on the farm in Söderhamn. The police who arrested the couple initially provided the pigeons with water, but the feed ran out and the owners' stay in detention seemed to be prolonged.
The County Administrative Board of Gävleborg was contacted, where Mia Östlund is unit manager at the animal welfare unit. Since the owners were not available, the board decided on immediate seizure of the pigeons, according to Mia Östlund. The pigeons are currently with a keeper waiting for a new home.
Finding a new home for the pigeons could be tricky, according to Mia Östlund. She noted that there may be bird associations that accept birds, but finding a private person will probably be more difficult. The County Administrative Board hopes to relocate or sell the pigeons and wants to avoid euthanasia, according to Mia Östlund.
It is unclear today whether the owners will get the pigeons back if they are suspected of crimes related to the pigeons. If it turns out that the owners failed in the care of the pigeons, the County Administrative Board will report a crime against the Animal Welfare Act, according to Mia Östlund. The specific unrelated case that led to the couple's detention and the number of pigeons involved remain unknown, as does the current condition and health status of the birds.