MY PAPER WEDNESDAY JULY 15, 2009
MY SAY
Don’t cull pigeons, fine errant residents
TWO days ago, I came across three dead pigeons and one in the throes of death in my neighbourhood.
I spoke to the senior property officer of the town council and he said the town council had hired a pest controller to poison the pigeons.
He said it had been done as some residents persisted in throwing food out of kitchen windows to feed the birds, despite posters and flyers telling them not to do so.
The officer had also received complaints about the pigeons and said he had no choice but to cull the birds.
I quote from United Kingdom animal-rights group Animal Aid’s website: “There are many places worldwide where attempts have been made to control pigeons by culling.
“Culling methods have included poisoning, shooting with air rifles and trapping.
“However, modern scientific research shows that culling is completely ineffective, as bird numbers can increase above pre-cull levels within weeks of the cull being carried out.”
Leaving poisoned breadcrumbs out in the open for pigeons poses a danger to pets and curious children.
The sight of a dying pigeon also distressed a few kids walking by it.
I appeal to the town council to continue educating residents and to step up efforts to identify the recalcitrants who continue to throw food down, so that they can be fined.
This is the problem that has to be nipped in the bud.
The issue would not be solved by culling the pigeons.
Dr Tan Chek Wee
