An individual was arrested on Wednesday, September 3, in Nice. He was offering tourists the chance to pose with peacock pigeons under deplorable conditions. The Stรฉphane LAMART association filed a complaint, and six birds were seized.
For several months, walkers reported a worrying practice on the Castle Hill in Nice. Men, reportedly from Eastern European countries according to several testimonies, were offering visitors photos with white pigeons. The birds were forcibly placed on the arms or shoulders of passersby. Once the picture was taken with the victims’ phone, a sum of money was demanded. The charges could reach 10 to 20 euros.
This activity eventually provoked exasperation. Many tourists complained, denouncing an aggressive method and a deceptive staging. Local authorities were alerted several times. But it was the complaint filed by the Stรฉphane LAMART association, recognized as being of public utility, that triggered the decisive intervention.
On Wednesday, September 3, the municipal police intervened early in the morning. A man was apprehended. On him, officers found 90 euros in cash, likely collected in less than an hour. Six peacock pigeons were seized and placed under the responsibility of the animal protection association.
Alarming Detention Conditions
The investigation revealed another aspect of this case: animal mistreatment. The birds were confined in unsuitable spaces. Two pigeons were found in a cat carrier without water. Two others were locked in a cardboard box without water or food. The remaining four were in a worrying state of health.
A veterinarian appointed by the court made a precise report. The pigeons were thin, weakened, and carrying parasites. Their plumage was dirty, their tail feathers damaged from lack of space. Traces of excrement on their legs confirmed prolonged detention in these conditions.
These facts constitute an offense under the Environmental Code and the Rural Code. The law requires that every animal must be kept in conditions compatible with its biological needs. Here, nothing was respected. The birds were exploited for profit without authorization or oversight, in clear violation of the regulations.
After his arrest, the individual was held in police custody for 48 hours. He then appeared before the prosecutor’s delegate. Following this procedure, he was banned from appearing in the Alpes-Maritimes for six months. The pigeons were permanently entrusted to the Stรฉphane LAMART association.
For its president, Stรฉphane Lamart, this decision marks an important step. “We cannot tolerate animals being used as profit objects at the expense of their health and the law. Our constant mobilization against animal exploitation has put an end to this practice, and we will remain vigilant to ensure justice is served,” he said.
He also praised the reaction of the Nice judiciary: “We are satisfied to see that the authorities take these acts seriously. The prohibition on being present throughout the Alpes-Maritimes territory and the seizure of the birds demonstrate a willingness to effectively sanction this type of misconduct.”
A Recurring Practice in Nice
The case is not isolated. In the past, other similar schemes have been reported in the city. In Place Massรฉna, a few years ago, artificially colored birds were used to lure in passersby. The method was based on the same principle: imposed photos and forced payment.
According to Stรฉphane Lamart, these practices move to the most frequented places. “They chose Castle Hill because they know the police patrol less often than in Place Massรฉna,” he explained. The association now hopes that the city council will strengthen controls to prevent the return of these methods.
The case also raises a question of image for the city of Nice. Declared “animal-friendly”, the Riviera city sees its reputation tarnished by these scenes observed in the middle of a tourist site. Tourists, supposed to leave with pleasant memories, find themselves faced with a scam coupled with animal mistreatment.
For associations, vigilance remains essential. They remind that the defense of animal welfare does not only concern domestic animals but also all species exploited for commercial purposes. In the case of the Nice peacock pigeons, the coordinated action between animal defenders, justice, and law enforcement ended this exploitation.
But concern remains. For Stรฉphane Lamart, this type of network can reconstitute elsewhere or in other forms. The association announces that it will continue to monitor the situation and alert authorities as soon as abuses are observed.
