Inhumane Control of Pigeons by Poisoning

On June 22nd, 2004, a cruel and needless slaughter of pigeons was initiated at the 1550 BrickellApartments complex in Miami, Florida. Truly Nolen (pest controllers) was commissioned by the management, Green Properties, to exterminate pigeons with an unknown poisonous substance, possibly Avitrol.

One individual who took in two birds, hoping to save them, reports:

I heard some noise coming from the carrier they were inone was upside down and started having
seizures. God, that was so horrible. She was making heartbreaking noises. I called the vet right away, he said to bring the bird now.

The rescuer attempted to administer an activated charcoal solution to the bird, but its beak was clamped so firmly due to the fits, it could not be opened. This pigeons condition was critical, the poison having caused grave kidney damage. The rescuer continues:

I got home exhausted, from stress. I went to check on the other bird and found him dead. I don't know what happened to him. He was fine for four hours and when we left he was OK. His mate had the seizures within two hours of being here.the look in her eyes is the most heartbreaking look I ever saw. God help us all, this world is just getting too bad.

Some facts:

Lethal control of pigeons brings no long-term benefit except in lucrative repeat business for pestcontrollers, since other birds will quickly fill the gap which has been left. Humane deterrents and barriers to prevent access to roosting and nesting places are the most effective method of control, giving long term results from an initial outlay.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has stated that the risk of anyone contracting a disease from pigeons in the U.S.A. is extremely rare, contrary to the misconceptions propagated by the ignorant and those with a vested interest in perpetuating them.

Bird poisons, as used in control of pigeons, are non-discriminatory. They may also kill protected bird species, other wildlife, pets and potentially - children who may accidentally ingest the substance. In the above case, one pigeon had actually expelled some of the substance inside the rescuers home. In addition, orphaned nestlings will starve to death - an inhumane fate - without their parents.

The use of Avitrol, specifically, has been banned by legislation from use in New York City.

We, the undersigned, therefore request the aforementioned authorities to examine closely the application of such inhumane methods of pigeon control, with a view to banning the use of poisonous substances for this purpose.