Pigeon in a cowboy hat, RIP

A bird rescue group in Las Vegas says one of three hat-wearing pigeons which gained popularity on social media has died.

Lofty Hopes pigeon rescue of Las Vegas tweeted the sad news this past Sunday.

Staff at the animal rescue organization say it's possible that fumes from the glue someone used to stick a hat on Bille the Pidge could have poisoned the little birb.

Photos of Cluck Norris and Billie the Pidge's hats. They were extensively handled before this photograph so no gloves were used. Given the age and type of material fingerprints were not taken. pic.twitter.com/tSieB0jOJF

- Lofty Hopes Pigeon Rescue (@Loftyhopespidge) December 18, 2019

We are saddened to announce that Billie the Pidge has passed away. She was weak when we caught her and had lost toes to stringfoot in addition to the hat being glued onto her head. pic.twitter.com/FR3vXGlMe1

- Lofty Hopes Pigeon Rescue (@Loftyhopespidge) January 13, 2020

The three pigeons were discovered last month in Las Vegas, with these miniature red cowboy hats glued on to their heads by who knows what jerk for who knows what nutty reasons.

Why do people do cruel and stupid things to animals?

From the Associated Press:

It wasn't certain if the bird's death was connected to the hat. It is still unknown who put the hats on the birds.

Billie is survived by two other former cowboy pigeons - Cluck Norris and Coolamity Jane.

Read more:
Las Vegas animal rescue: Cowboy hat-wearing pigeon dies [associated press]