Valletta’s pigeons are facing hard times as a new by-law issued by the local council targets a reduction in the population of these pesky birds.

The law makes it illegal to feed pigeons in the city and it calls on owners of uninhabited buildings to bar all entrances to prevent pigeons from nesting there – at the risk of a €46 fine.

Coming into effect on April 22, the law is intended to cut down the pigeon population in ­Valletta, which according to Mayor Alexiei Dingli is causing a lot of corrosive damage to buildings.

A second offence incurs a €76 fine while a continuous contravention is subject to a daily fine of €12.

“The problem is big, they damage buildings and monuments, and it’s difficult to put spikes on everything,” Dr Dingli said.

The biggest problem, the mayor said, was around gardens and the bastions, where the birds found places to nest.

“We’ve got nothing against pigeons but against their droppings and the damage they do,” the mayor said.

It could have been worse for the pigeons, however. The council, Dr Dingli said, was also considering introducing a couple of falcons to prey on what some consider as “feathered rats”.

But the €3,000 cost was too much, considering the risk that the birds of prey might decide to move elsewhere.

The by-law specifically excludes domesticated pigeons and pigeon breeders.

Floriana, Msida, Sliema, Pieta’, Ħamrun and Gżira have enacted similar legislation.