TODAY
An ineffective, cruel method
05:55 AM Dec 24, 2009
Letter from Bernard Tan Hock Heng
LAST Friday, as I was walking by the field beside Block 51, Sims Drive, I was horrified to see several pigeons convulsing.
I spoke to someone named Mr Pang who was there (most likely a pest control officer) who said that the pigeons were a nuisance. He then directed a worker to collect the pigeons - who were still alive - and put them into a yellow plastic bag.
Some children witnessed the scene and horror and fright were reflected in their expressions.
The next morning, I saw several pigeons still convulsing on the field.
According to this website http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/*/CAMPAIGNS/wildlife/ALL/348/:
"In areas where culling is carried out, there will be an initial reduction in pigeon numbers.
"However, this effect is very short term as the population will almost certainly have returned to or even exceeded the previous level within a few weeks.
"This is because pigeons control their own numbers according to the food source available."
Clearly such culling is not only ineffective but also cruel. It also puts pet dogs at risk of eating poisoned bait. The bait also poisons our environment.
As a resident of the Aljunied Town Council, I object to such an ineffective and cruel method of controlling the pigeon population and insist on humane management.
URL http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC091224-0000040/An-ineffective,-cruel-method
