Urban pigeons — descended from domesticated rock doves — are among the most persecuted animals in cities despite being intelligent social animals with complex needs.
Poisoned pigeons die slowly, often predating raptors and secondary-poisoning them. Glue traps cause prolonged suffering. Shooting in urban environments often wounds rather than kills. Pigeons congregate in large numbers because humans provide food — reducing food availability and using fertility control are humane alternatives that actually work.