Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) landline, internet and cell services have been knocked-out by pigeon hunters who shot through the fibre optic cable that carries all of the communication capabilities to settlements at the end of South Andros, primarily Mars Bay and a neighbouring settlement.

Parts of North Andros also suffered BTC outages a few weeks ago also to gun shooting pigeon hunters.

A BTC emergency repair team is flying in to assess and repair the damage.

BTC officials said they will release an estimated time for service delivery once an assessment is complete.

BTC reminded the public that damaging private or company property is a felony punishable in a court of law.

“Anyone caught damaging property can be arrested and charged. Anyone seeing or knowing of property destruction or damage by pigeon shooting, copper thefts or other activities is advised to call the police, said Kendrick Knowles, senior manager for Family Island field operations.

He also advises pigeon hunters not to shoot at birds perched on the communication cables or power lines.