PURP

NEW YORK - Pigeons come in many shades in New York City — but purple is typically not one of them.

That's why animal lover Joe Mora was stunned when he saw a pigeon at a Queens playground that had been painted a violet hue.

The pigeon was taken Friday to licensed wildlife rehabilitator Bobby Horvath. He said the bird is unable to fly because the feathers are completely rigid from the paint. But he says the animal is lucky its mouth or eyes didn't get stained.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals spokesman Joseph Pentangelo says if the bird was intentionally painted it "certainly" qualifies as animal cruelty.