People For The Ethical Treatment are speaking out against an upcoming television show featuring heavyweight boxing champ Mike Tyson racing pigeons.
As previously reported, Tyson signed on for the Animal Planet’s latest reality show, “Taking on Tyson” featuring the boxer and a band of the racing birds.
According to PETA, Tyson’s “Taking On Tyson” is “cruel” and exploits the winged animals because it “glorifies an abusive sport.”
The animal rights group is asking Brooklyn prosecutors to step in and shut the project down.
Patricia Kollappallil, a spokesperson for Animal Planet, has since spoken out against allegations of cruelty and illegal gamboling with the animals. She released a statement saying,
“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.”
The show will start taping in April and air next year.
