The control of pigeons is a bye-law that has been put into force by 11 local councils over a number of years. The bye-law prohibits the feeding of wild pigeons in any part of the locality.
The localities applying this bye-law are Pieta, Floriana, Sliema, Msida, Hamrun, Gzira, Valletta, Rabat, Paola, Birkirkara and Birzebbuga.
The bye-law also states that it is prohibited for any person to voluntarily leave food in places which are accessible to wild pigeons, but notes that it does not apply to domestic pigeons.
It is also up the owners of “abandoned immovable property” to ensure that the property is sealed in such a manner that no pigeons can go in or make nests.
The fine for failing to comply with these laws is €46.59 for the first contravention, €69.88 for a second or subsequent contravention. In the case of a continuing contravention, the fine is of €11.65 for each day that the contravention continues.
A post was recently put up on Facebook showing a warning against feeding pigeons in one of the localities where the bye-law applies. The post drew several comments, with views ranging from support for the method of pigeon control to animal lovers wholeheartedly disagreeing with the method.
Over the years there have been several instances and methods which have been used by local councils to control pigeons. The latest method, approved by the Cabinet on the recommendations of the Health Directorate, is to catch pigeons and place them in large cages.
A statement, however, was later issued by the Local Councils’ Association saying that a call for tenders had been withdrawn by the Health Department because no agreement has been reached as to how pigeons should be controlled since poisoning had never been agreed to.
Over the years there have been a number of localities who have used the controversial pigeon culling method as a means to control the bird populations and hence tackle the problem of pigeon excrement.
Whilst the reduction of food is considered by several studies as the most successful long term measure for controlling the number of pigeons in the area, other pigeon control techniques exist. These range from poisoning and trapping to removal of nest sites and birth control. The latter method involves baits impregnated with birth control agents. This method is being used in several cities worldwide.