CNN
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A pigeon suspected of spying for China and held for eight months was launched by Indian officers this week after intervention from animal rights group PETA, the group stated in an announcement.

“After learning that a pigeon was held at the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals (BSDPHA) in Parel as case property for an astonishing eight months, PETA India sprang into action to secure the bird’s freedom from captivity,” PETA stated.

The animal’s ordeal started in May final yr, when it was captured close to a port in Mumbai. There was a message written on the pigeon’s wings in phrases that seemed to be Chinese, PETA added. “This led to suspicion of spying and caused police to seize the bird, who was sent to Mumbai’s BSDPHA for a medical examination as part of an investigation.”

CNN has reached out to Mumbai police for remark.

Another pigeon was reportedly taken into custody in 2016 after authorities discovered it with a observe that threatened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In the newest case, PETA contacted police in Mumbai “without further delay… to grant formal permission for the hospital to release the pigeon.”

“The bird was released yesterday on the hospital premises by Colonel (Retd) Dr B. B. Kulkarni, Chief Medical Superintendent of the BSDPHA,” PETA stated.

Earlier Indian media reviews had stated that the fowl had been transferred to the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, whose docs set it free on Tuesday. CNN has reached out to Bombay SPCA for remark.

While the pigeon’s case has made international headlines, “spy animals” captured and exploited by militaries are nothing new.

In 2019, a snowy white beluga whale, later nicknamed Hvaldimir, shot to worldwide fame after it was noticed carrying a specifically made harness with mounts for a digital camera, main consultants to counsel the whale might have been educated by the Russian army.

Belugas are social animals that hunt and journey collectively in pods. Hvaldimir the whale was discovered alone, and has been recognized to observe boats and play with these on board.

He resurfaced in Swedish waters in 2023 and there have been concerns expressed by animal rights activists and marine consultants about his destiny.