Peter Parka
Well-Known Member
Trafalgar pigeons 'are starving'
Pigeons are starving to death in London's Trafalgar Square as a result of a byelaw banning people from feeding them, protesters have said. The Pigeon Action Group demonstrated in the square against the byelaw, which was introduced earlier this month.
Campaign leader Julia Fletcher said: "Urgent action is needed otherwise the rest of the flock will perish."
They want a feeding area set up in the square. Westminster City Council said its feeding ban would remain in place.
It has been illegal to feed birds in the main square since 2003, but protesters continued to feed pigeons and other birds on the north terrace.
The council estimated that 400 birds continued to flock to the area.
Earlier this month the council secured a byelaw which extended the ban to the north terrace.
It said droppings created a mess and led to complaints.
Under the new law, anyone feeding birds anywhere in the square risks a £500 fine.
'Homing instincts'
"What the authorities cannot seem to understand is that these birds will not go anywhere else because they are a tame flock," said Miss Fletcher.
"Pigeons are known for their homing instincts and they see Trafalgar Square as home."
Ms Fletcher said that a designated feeding area would enable the public to continue feeding the remainder of the flock.
"The cruelty that has gone on in an attempt to drive out these birds is dreadful, it's unbelievable."
Westminster City Council said it would continue to enforce the byelaw throughout the square.
Alan Bradley, the council's cabinet member for street environment, said: "It is a nonsense to suggest that the pigeons will starve because of the ban."
"They are resourceful creatures and go where there is food.
"If anything, it is cruel to feed the pigeons in this way because it artificially increases the size of the flock to unsustainable levels leading to poor health and deformity among the birds."
BBC
Glad, rats with wings, let the recently arrived, more endangered and more spectacular Perigrine falcons finish them off! At least they dont shit on your head!
Pigeons are starving to death in London's Trafalgar Square as a result of a byelaw banning people from feeding them, protesters have said. The Pigeon Action Group demonstrated in the square against the byelaw, which was introduced earlier this month.
Campaign leader Julia Fletcher said: "Urgent action is needed otherwise the rest of the flock will perish."
They want a feeding area set up in the square. Westminster City Council said its feeding ban would remain in place.
It has been illegal to feed birds in the main square since 2003, but protesters continued to feed pigeons and other birds on the north terrace.
The council estimated that 400 birds continued to flock to the area.
Earlier this month the council secured a byelaw which extended the ban to the north terrace.
It said droppings created a mess and led to complaints.
Under the new law, anyone feeding birds anywhere in the square risks a £500 fine.
'Homing instincts'
"What the authorities cannot seem to understand is that these birds will not go anywhere else because they are a tame flock," said Miss Fletcher.
"Pigeons are known for their homing instincts and they see Trafalgar Square as home."
Ms Fletcher said that a designated feeding area would enable the public to continue feeding the remainder of the flock.
"The cruelty that has gone on in an attempt to drive out these birds is dreadful, it's unbelievable."
Westminster City Council said it would continue to enforce the byelaw throughout the square.
Alan Bradley, the council's cabinet member for street environment, said: "It is a nonsense to suggest that the pigeons will starve because of the ban."
"They are resourceful creatures and go where there is food.
"If anything, it is cruel to feed the pigeons in this way because it artificially increases the size of the flock to unsustainable levels leading to poor health and deformity among the birds."
BBC
Glad, rats with wings, let the recently arrived, more endangered and more spectacular Perigrine falcons finish them off! At least they dont shit on your head!
