Lucky the pigeon lives up to his name: he is recovering well following an attack by a hawk. (0567633)
A FORTUNATE pigeon and 50 death row chickens have dominated conversations in Alderney this week.
The pigeon in question had a miraculous escape when it was saved from the clutches of a hungry hawk.
Husband and wife Robin and Jill Hooper returned home from walking their dog to discover the bird of prey attempting to decapitate the bird.
Jill, who lives on Longis Road, takes up the story.
‘The hawk was at the bottom of the drive when we got back from walking the dog. He took flight when we approached and it was only then that we realised he had been on top of a pigeon.
‘There was quite a lot of blood on the drive and it seemed as if the pigeon was within an inch of losing his life.’
Robin and Jill rushed the feathered one to Alderney vet Dave Burrows, who saved the bird by giving it six stitches and a heap of tender loving care.
Dave says the pigeon, now known as Lucky, is set to make a full recovery.
‘Lucky seems to be doing well now. We’ve just kept him warm and let him rest,’ said Dave.
‘The tag on his claw suggests he is from Alderney, so he may belong to someone in the island. We’ll just have to wait and see if someone comes forward.’
A number of chickens who live near the airport may not be as fortunate as Lucky.
The States says it has ‘strong evidence’ that the birds are contaminating the island’s water supply and that they will be culled unless anyone agrees to re-home them.
Jeanne Mapp feeds the chickens twice a day.
She said: ‘I am absolutely disgusted. These chickens have lived here for years and they’ve never done anyone any harm.
‘It seems as if the States is victimising them.’
Jeanne is confident the birds pose no threat to Alderney’s water.
She added: ‘I’ve spoken to a couple of scientists and they’ve told me it’s very unlikely the chickens are contaminating the water supply.
‘Some tests will have to be carried out to work out exactly what is going on but it would seem the chickens aren’t doing any damage at all.’
Sticking with the animal theme, a race night in aid of Alderney Animal Welfare Society raised more than £1,900.
Held at the Campania in the High Street, the evening was a resounding hit, despite the fact that the venue’s big screen TV refused to put out any sound.
Organiser John Martel was forced to commentate on each race – and a fine job he did too.
AAWS volunteer Hilary Bentley said: ‘The evening was a great success and we raised a considerable amount.
‘We’d like to thank everyone who came for supporting the event.’
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