Culling pigeons is very cruel. Many times the pigeon dies a very painful slow death when shot.

The only proven method of reducing pigeon flock size, as part of an area-wide control system, is to use a method involving artificial breeding facilities. This stand-alone method of control has been scientifically proven to reduce the pigeon flock size and is currently being used throughout mainland Europe by councils and commercial organisations alike.

It involves providing a pigeon loft, in which feral pigeons can be encouraged to roost and breed, and from which their eggs can be removed and replaced with dummy eggs. This method has proved to be extremely effective in reducing flock size.

It is also not true that pigeons spread diseases. I urge Birdlife and all animal lovers to speak up against the killing of these peaceful birds.