March 22, 2010 (Pen Men at Work): Boxer Mike Tyson’s reality show which features pigeons racing is in trouble as animal rights activists have expressed their dissatisfaction with the show.

People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals wants the Animal Planet show, ‘Taking on Tyson’, to be grounded by Brooklyn prosecutors. The show depicts races between the pigeons. The show is cruel, according to the PETA, because it exalts a foul sport and harasses pigeons.

The PETA argues that the birds often get lost in storms, get injured or become so exhausted that they can’t fly anymore. They also believe that pigeon races will lead to people placing bets on the outcome of the races and this will flout laws made against gambling.

A lot of people, after this twisted argument, have begun to doubt PETA’s credibility and believe that it is full of strange laws and is an organization that uses methods unrelated to its concern, just to be able to achieve its goal. The organization is concerned that there will be possible cruelty to the pigeons used for racing which is why it brings up New York state gambling laws which forbid animal racing without a license.

According to Animal Planet representatives, the charges are ridiculous and that they won’t sanction any gambling. PETA argues that the audience members will gamble even though the law states that money generated by gambling is illegal.

The Brooklyn District Attorney’s office has agreed to look into the claims put forth by the animal rights organization, despite the argument being rather absurd.

Tyson as well as Animal Planet’s representatives feel that PETA is being fanatical. They assure that the pigeons are being loved and taken care of. In fact, Tyson’s own prized pigeons will be competing in the show against some other pigeons.

Brooklyn residents are very much on Tyson and the channel’s side as was apparent by their comments on the issue.