Feral pigeons are among the most abundant urban birds but receive little welfare consideration despite common management practices that cause significant suffering.
Pigeons caught in nets often suffer wing and leg injuries during the trapping process. Poisoning causes prolonged suffering and secondary poisoning of raptors that eat affected birds. Birds with deformities from nylon thread entanglement around feet are common in urban populations, causing chronic pain. Population management through fertility control is more humane and equally effective over time.