Pigeons are a common sight in many cities and towns, where they can often be seen gathering in large flocks in public spaces. While some people view pigeons as harmless or even characterful parts of the urban landscape, others see them as pests or ‘flying rats’ that damage property and spread disease. This has led some people to take matters into their own hands and attempt to kill or cull local pigeon populations. However, there are laws in place that govern how and when pigeons may be killed. These laws aim to balance pest control and public health considerations with animal welfare concerns.
Are pigeons protected by law?
Pigeons are not a protected species in the UK. This means that there are no specific laws making it illegal to kill, trap, or otherwise harm pigeons in most situations. Other bird species, such as many native songbirds and birds of prey, receive legal protection meaning they cannot be deliberately killed or taken from the wild without a special license. But such protections do not apply to feral pigeon populations.
Having said this, there are still some restrictions around harming or killing pigeons. These restrictions do not aim to protect pigeons specifically, but rather to uphold general welfare standards and prevent inhumane methods being used to control or cull any animal.
Animal welfare laws
The main laws that are relevant to the killing of pigeons are animal welfare laws, which apply to all vertebrate animals.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause any animal unnecessary suffering. This means pigeons cannot be killed in an inhumane manner that would prolong suffering, for example drowning, gassing, or electrocution. Acceptable culling methods under the Act would be shooting or cervical dislocation.
The Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996 also makes it illegal to inflict unnecessary suffering when killing or taking a wild mammal. As pigeons are not mammals this does not directly apply to them, but it does show further legal safeguards against animal cruelty.
Other relevant laws
Aside from animal welfare laws, there are some other legal considerations around killing pigeons:
– Firearms laws – It is illegal to use firearms to kill pigeons in a public place or close to a public road or building under the Firearms Act 1968. Firearms can only be legally used to cull pigeons on private land with the landowner’s permission.
– Poison laws – The Poison Act 1972 regulates the use of poisons and pesticides. Toxic chemicals cannot be used to kill pigeons without proper licenses and authorisation.
– Wildlife laws – Although unprotected, pigeons are still classed as wild birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This means it is illegal to use certain methods of killing which could also impact other wildlife species, such as setting snares or gas bombs.
– Trespass laws – Legally killing pigeons on private land requires the landowner’s consent. It may constitute trespass to cull pigeons on land you do not own or have permission to access.
Pigeon control methods
Given the restrictions around harming pigeons, legal methods of control tend to focus on deterrence and population management rather than outright culling. Some lawful options include:
– Removing food sources – This involves clearing up spilled grain, litter and other food waste that sustains pigeon populations. Persistently denying food can encourage pigeons to relocate.
– Netting – Pigeons can be excluded from roosting or nesting in certain structures by installing net barriers, spikes or wires.
– falconry – Using trained birds of prey to scare and disperse pigeon flocks. Requires proper falconry licenses.
– Egg removal/replacement – Taking pigeon eggs from nests or replacing real eggs with dummy eggs to limit breeding.
– Shooting – Using an air rifle or shotgun to humanely kill pigeons. Only permitted in certain contexts e.g. on private land with consent.
– Trapping – Live trapping pigeons in cages or specially designed pens, followed by humane killing or relocation.
– Chemical repellents – Applying non-toxic substances to surfaces to discourage roosting and nesting.
– Population control drugs – OvoControl is a drug which interferes with pigeon egg development and fertility when consumed, reducing hatch rates.
Pigeon culls
In some cases, authorities may enact organised culling of urban pigeon populations. This is usually triggered by a specific local issue such as pigeon faeces damaging buildings or concerns over disease risks.
Culls require careful planning to be humane and effective. They are often controversial with animal rights groups. Methods can include:
– Shooting – Marksmen may be employed to shoot and kill pigeons humanely in areas they frequent.
– Capturing and gassing – Pigeons are trapped then killed using approved gas methods. Recently used in London and other UK cities amid health fears.
– Removal of eggs/young – Persistently removing eggs and squabs from nests for a sustained period to prevent population recovery.
Any culling is usually done alongside other deterrence measures as part of an integrated pest management plan. There are also “no cull” approaches adopted in many cities based on non-lethal control only.
Reasons people kill pigeons illegally
Despite the laws restricting harm to pigeons, some people do take matters into their own hands and attempt to unlawfully kill or harm pigeons. Reasons for this include:
– Frustration with mess/damage – Pigeon droppings can ruin paintwork and stonework on buildings. This drives some people to try poisoning or shooting pigeons.
– Disputes over roosting sites – People may dislike large noisy pigeon flocks near their home and try scaring them off through unlawful means.
– General animosity – Some see pigeons only as flying rats and vermin and disregard their welfare. This leads to casual cruelty.
– Ignorance of the law – Many people assume pigeons are unprotected vermin and can be killed freely without realising restrictions are still in place around animal welfare.
– DIY pest control – Rather than employing professionals, some people attempt illegal DIY methods like setting out poisoned bait.
– Fun/thrills – Sadly, some individuals inflict cruelty on pigeons simply for amusement.
Consequences of illegally killing pigeons
There can be legal penalties for those who break the law and kill or harm pigeons without justification. Potential consequences include:
– Prison sentence – Causing intentional and unnecessary suffering to any animal is a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act. The maximum prison sentence is 6 months.
– Unlimited fine – Magistrates’ courts can impose an unlimited fine for animal cruelty offences. The financial penalty aimed to act as a deterrent.
– Community service – Performing unpaid work in the community may be mandated as part of punishment for wildlife crimes.
– Item confiscation – Equipment used in the offence such as air rifles could be confiscated by authorities.
– Licence removal – For serious or repeat offenders, licences for firearms or pesticides could be revoked.
– Criminal record – A conviction for animal cruelty leads to a permanent criminal record that may impact employment and travel.
– Reputational damage – Illegal pigeon killing often attracts public criticism and media scrutiny which damages offender’s reputations.
Gathering evidence of illegal pigeon killing
Suspected cases of unlawful pigeon killing should be reported to the RSPCA or police. Useful evidence to provide includes:
– Photos/videos – Visual recordings clearly documenting alleged acts of cruelty. Ensure they include time/date stamps.
– Diary notes – Written record of key details like dates, times and location of incidents witnessed.
– Physical evidence – Collect and safely store any implements or poisoned bait found at scene. Avoid direct contact for health reasons.
– Witness statements – Accounts of events from other witnesses willing to give evidence. Include contact details.
– Background info – Details on wider context e.g. if there is an ongoing local dispute over pigeons.
– Social media activity – Posts, comments or messages indicating intent to harm pigeons. Can be submitted as evidence.
Thorough evidence gathering and reporting is essential to ensure animal welfare laws are upheld and offenders face justice. This deters further cruelty and ultimately better protects pigeons and other wildlife.
Pigeon deterrents that are legal and ethical
There are various lawful, humane ways to deter pigeons and limit problems they can cause. Some ethical pigeon deterrents include:
– Bird spikes – Non-harmful spikes placed on ledges to prevent roosting and nesting.
– Dummy eggs – Swapping real eggs for fake ones to control breeding.
– Ultrasonic repellers – Emit high frequency sound waves only heard by birds to scare them off.
– Visual deterrents – Fake birds of prey, flashing lights, and reflective surfaces startle pigeons away.
– Taste aversion – Applying non-toxic gels with bitter tasting substances to put pigeons off perching spots.
– Population control – OvoControl drug humanely reduces pigeon fertility and hatch rates.
– Habitat modification – Altering or blocking access to potential nesting and roosting spots.
– Falconry – Using trained hawks to chase pigeons from an area through natural predator response.
– Netting – Physical barriers to exclude pigeons from covered areas prone to fouling.
Pigeon law and ethics – In summary:
– Pigeons are not a protected species so can legally be killed in certain circumstances, but welfare laws still apply.
– Any culling or control must avoid unnecessary suffering and use approved humane methods only.
– Poisoning, gassing, electrocution etc are prohibited ways to kill pigeons.
– Firearms can only be used to cull pigeons in specific contexts e.g. on private rural land.
– Local authorities may sometimes conduct organised culling if pigeon problems persist in an area.
– Deterrents, repellents and exclusion tactics are often preferable to lethal control from an ethical viewpoint.
– There are punishments for causing intentional and avoidable suffering to pigeons.
– Evidence should be gathered and reported if unlawful and inhumane killing of pigeons is witnessed.
– Public education can help promote humane pest control and avoid needless cruelty out of frustration or ignorance.
Conclusion
Killing pigeons is not completely prohibited by law as they are viewed as pest species rather than protected wildlife. However, there are still legal restrictions in place around animal welfare, firearms, poisons and methods of culling. Causing any animal unnecessary suffering is a criminal offence, and this includes unprotected species like feral pigeon populations. Pigeons may be killed legally in a regulated, humane way but poisoning, shooting in public spaces, gassing and other cruel DIY methods can land offenders with fines, imprisonment and criminal records if prosecuted. Where pigeon overpopulation causes problems, humane deterrents and exclusion tactics provide ethical alternatives to potentially inhumane culling.