Feral pigeons are descended from domesticated rock doves and live in close proximity to humans. They face unique welfare challenges in urban environments and are often treated as pests.
Feral pigeons live with chronic challenges including foot injuries from string entanglement, crop disease, lead poisoning from urban pollution, and injury from pest control methods. While population management is sometimes necessary, methods including spikes, poison, and glue traps cause significant suffering. Welfare-positive approaches include feeding restriction to manage population size, oral contraceptives, and humane deterrents that redirect rather than injure roosting birds.