PETA fights Mike Tyson gambling reality show

Last week we brought you the news that former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, could well be getting his own pigeon racing Animal Planet reality TV show. But now it appears that it may not happen, after PETA said that it will fight the said show “Taking on Tyson.”

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), say that they want Brooklyn prosecutors to ground the show, which according to a report at nydailynews.com, they have described as cruel because it not only exploits pigeons, but also glorifies an abusive sport.

PETA general counsel Jeffrey Kerr – who described the show as “inherently cruel” – said “The birds often end up lost in storms, being injured, or just becoming so exhausted that they’re unable to fly.” It also looks like the show could flout New York’s anti-gambling laws as well.

“Pigeon racing as an industry involves gambling,” Kerr said. He went on to say that it is the reason why people do it, to make money. Kerr insisted that District Attorney Charles Hynes should make sure that show isn’t allowed to proceed, if illegal activity is going to be taking place.

Animal Planet spokeswoman Patricia Kollappallil on the other hand, said that the complaints were unfounded. “There have never been any plans for wagering on the pigeon race. The birds will be cherished and respected by their owners, including Mr. Tyson,” she explained.