Pigeons

Disease

  • Pigeons carry a range of diseases such as salmonellosis, tuberculosis and ornithosis. Whilst there is no direct evidence that the diseases have been passed from pigeons to humans, the risk can not be discounted. Because of their potential to contaminate food and spread disease their presence in and around food premises can not be tolerated.
  • Pigeon droppings, nesting materials and dead carcasses can contain a wide variety of mites and insects. These can infest areas where people live and can then cause skin irritation, disease or allergic reactions.

Damage to buildings

  • Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly but can also cause long term damage to buildings.
  • Droppings, nesting materials and feathers can block gutters and rainwater pipes causing blockages and water damage.
  • Ladders and fire escapes coated in pigeon droppings become slippery and unsafe to use particularly in wet conditions.

Hazards to pedestrians and drivers

  • Pigeon dropping and waste food left down for pigeons make pavements slippery, especially in wet weather.
  • Startled pigeons may take flight suddenly and cause a hazard to road traffic

Feeding pigeons

  • Pigeons are wild birds capable of finding their own food. Human food does not contain the ingredients that the birds require for good health.
  • Feeding pigeons attracts them to areas that are not natural to them and exposes them to risks of injury. This is why you often see pigeons with feet and wing injuries.
  • Feeding results in all year breeding that causes overcrowding. The birds become stressed and disease and parasites spread quickly within the flock
  • Large flocks of pigeons can drive smaller birds away from feeding sites. The pigeons can also spread disease to other birds, reducing their populations.
  • Waste food left down for pigeons can attract foxes, rats and mice.

Pigeons and the Law

  • Most birds, their nest eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
  • The Act allows the control of certain birds, including feral pigeons, by authorised persons using specified methods.
  • The use of spring traps, poisons, certain types of nests, gassing and sticky substances that may entangle a bird are illegal.