Feral pigeons live in close proximity to humans in urban environments worldwide. Effective, humane population management differs significantly from common control methods.
Pigeons are often dismissed as 'rats with wings' but are sentient animals with complex social lives and strong pair bonds. Culling is not only ethically problematic but ineffective - populations recover rapidly when food sources remain available. The humane and effective approach targets the root cause: reducing food availability (feeding bans, waste management) and using contraceptive programmes. Anti-pigeon spikes and nets cause suffering when birds become trapped or injured trying to nest around them. Regular inspection to free trapped birds is a basic welfare obligation for building managers.