Urban pigeons are among the most misunderstood urban wildlife species, subject to ineffective and cruel control methods when humane alternatives are available.
Urban pigeons are subjected to poisoning, shooting, netting, and spike deterrents — methods that cause suffering and death without resolving the population problem. Their remarkable site fidelity means survivors remain; their reproductive rate means populations rebound from any gaps. Humane birth control bait is the only method shown to reduce populations long-term without ongoing welfare harm. The welfare case for contraceptive management is reinforced by its superior long-term effectiveness.