Penticton – The SPCA says it has removed the hat and bell from a pigeon that was tortured last week.

The SPCA received a tip on its cruelty hotline and dispatched a constable to the area. At first, the official thought it was a cat because of the bell around its neck.

“They were able to actually handle the bird, take the duct tape from its head and remove the bell from it’s neck,” said Corinne Ross, Branch Manager, South Okanagan SPCA.

“Apparently there were still some tail feathers with the bird and he flew away.”

Earlier this week local residents were outraged when they saw a photo of the pigeon making the rounds on social media.