http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_750279.html
I TOTALLY agree with Mr Henry Ong's call for clearing of leftover food and used utensils ('Bird nuisance at hawker centres'; Thursday).
However, I disagree with his call for culling of the birds as it is not only ineffective and hence a waste of public funds, but is also extremely cruel. I have personally witnessed birds convulsing after eating bait laced with poison. My other concern is the danger of the poisoned bait to others like curious children or pet dogs.
According to the Animal Aid website: '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.'
We need to 'cull' our antisocial personal habits by not leaving leftover food on the tables, by not throwing leftover food on the floor and learning to place our used utensils at collection points to facilitate rapid clearing by the cleaners.
We are at risk of contracting diseases from our fellow human beings who leave used tissue paper in bowls and cups in public eating places, cough and sneeze in public, and indulge in other unhygienic acts.
Stop blaming the birds.
The fault is ours and if we continue to deny that fact, we will never change.
Dr Tan Chek Wee
