A video posted to TikTok earlier this month, appearing to show a man catching pigeons in a Windsor parking lot, has sparked outrage.
According to the TikTok user who shared the clip, the video was filmed on Jan. 3 in a grocery store parking lot near Goyeau and Elliott Street East.
The user, who declined an interview and asked not to be identified, said the man in the video appeared to bait the pigeons with some type of food before catching them in a net and loading them into a blue, capped pickup truck.
While some online commenters initially claimed the man was capturing Canada Geese, closer inspection of the video shows he was targeting pigeons.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) reviewed the video after receiving a formal complaint.
“Rock Doves (Pigeons) are not listed as a protected migratory bird in Canada,” wrote ECCC spokesperson Samuel Lafontaine in a statement.
“With the information provided or available, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s wildlife officers have concluded there is no evidence of Canada Geese or other protected migratory birds being captured during this incident.”
While ECCC is not investigating further, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has taken an interest in the incident.
“Conservation Officers ask that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have information that could assist officers in identifying the individual, contact the MNR Tips Line at 1-877-847-7667,” said MNR spokesperson Mike Fenn.
The man’s intentions remain unclear and authorities are encouraging anyone with further information to come forward.
