Wildlife

Urban Pigeon Welfare and Conflict Management

Feral pigeons are descended from domesticated rock doves and face welfare challenges in urban environments while also creating conflicts with people.

Key Facts

Urban pigeons are descendants of birds that escaped domestication
They pair bond for life and are highly social birds
Contraceptive grain programmes can humanely reduce populations
Lethal control is ineffective as populations rapidly rebound
Pigeons can navigate thousands of kilometres using magnetic and visual cues

Welfare Considerations

Pigeons in urban environments suffer from injuries caused by anti-roosting spikes, entanglement in netting, and injuries from fishing line around legs. Glue traps and shooting cause significant suffering. Humane contraceptive programmes combined with habitat modification are more effective and welfare-friendly than lethal control.

What You Can Do

Oppose the use of anti-roosting spikes that injure birds
Support contraceptive grain programmes in your council area
Remove fishing line and string that tangles around bird legs
Report injured pigeons to wildlife rehabilitation centres
Advocate for council policies on humane pigeon management