  A convincing explanation for the observed pulsar large peculiar velocities is
still missing. We argue that any viable particle physics solution would most
likely involve the resonant production of a non-interacting neutrino $\nu_s$ of
mass $m_{\nu_s}\sim 20$--50 keV. We propose a model where anisotropic magnetic
field configurations strongly bias the resonant spin flavour precession of tau
antineutrinos into $\nu_s$. For internal magnetic fields $B_{int} \gsim
10^{15}$ G a $\bar\nu_\tau$-$\nu_s$ transition magnetic moment of the order of
$10^{-12}$ Bohr magnetons is required. The asymmetric emission of $\nu_s$ from
the core can produce sizeable natal kicks and account for recoil velocities of
several hundred kilometers per second.
