Mike Tyson's new pigeon-racing Animal Planet reality series could be grounded before it even takes off.
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Brooklyn District Attorney spokesman Jonah Bruno said the office will look into recent allegations made by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) that the new reality series is cruel to animals and its races could involve illegal gambling, The Associated Press reported Sunday.
An Animal Planet spokeswoman responded by stating that there have never been any plans to wager on the pigeon races featured in the reality series and added that the pigeons will be "cherished and respected by their owners," according to The AP.
Animal Planet recently ordered Taking on Tyson, which would follow the heavyweight boxer as he takes viewers inside the world of competitive pigeon racing.
The tentatively-titled reality series is currently slated to film this spring in New York City and debut in early 2011.
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PETA sent a letter dated March 18 to the Brooklyn district attorney's office requesting an investigation.
About The Author: Steven Rogers