Thursday’s pigeon culling in Vittoriosa has been condemned by the Environment Ministry, which said it would investigate the matter and take the necessary action.

Pigeons were controversially shot down Vittoriosa in broad daylight on Thursday afternoon in an attempt by the council to control the rising population.

The cull, by around five men carrying airguns, was carried out without much fanfare and despite the fact that the council was forced to back down last year following widespread criticism.

In a statement on Friday, the ministry said shooting pigeons went against government policy of how to control wild pigeon populations.

The ministry said there existed other safer means of reducing pigeon populations, which could be detrimental to health.

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