Credits: Social Media
Police release pigeon they suspected of being Chinese spy for 8 months
A humble pigeon accused of being a Chinese spy was released this week after it was detained by police for a staggering 8 months.
As silly as it sounds, there have been documented cases of animals being used in spycraft. The CIA is reported to have trained ravens and pigeons, and even dolphins have been used for underwater combat by Russia.
The poor pigeon was released on Tuesday
Last May, officers in India captured a pigeon near a port in the city of Mumbai, the Press Trust of India earlier reported. Upon closer inspection, the police discovered two rings tied to the birds legs with what appeared to be Chinese script.
Naturally, they detained the bird for further questioning. Police officials suspected that the avian agent was being used for espionage by China. It was then sent to Mumbai’s Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals.
After eight months behind bars, the true identity of the mystery bird was revealed to be an open-water racing bird from Taiwan. Somehow, the bird had escaped and flown over 4,321 km.
At the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on Tuesday, the pigeon spy was finally set free.
This isnt the first time India has detained birds over suspicions of espionage, having previously captured a bird in Indian-controlled Kashmir. In 2016, a bird was also found with an alleged note threatening Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Spy Pigeons were used in WWII
Its well documented that flying rats were used during the Second World War. They were used to fly messages with combat zones and were vital in the Allied war effort against Nazi Germany. Following the wars end, 32 pigeons were decorated with the Dickin Medal. Names of such heroes include Winkie, Commando, Paddy, William of Orange, Mary of Exeter, G.I. Joe, Gustav, and Beach Comber.
