Save the pigeons in Venice, Italy

This is an international petition regarding a law that was enforced in Venice (Italy) some months ago, which forbids people to feed pigeons in the WHOLE city and if one is caught throwing crumbs to the birds is fined. As far as we know, the Venetian community has also ordered the killing of hundreds of pigeons by gas. We understand that the purpose of this law is to reduce the number of pigeons in order to protect the historical monuments, but to reduce it by letting the pigeons die of starvation or from gas poisoning seems cruel and inhuman. The monuments could be protected in different ways, e.g. by fixing spines or wires on the buildings that prevent pigeons from perching on them and by cleaning the monuments regularly with water. Pigeons could also be fed with sterilizing medicines so that their number remained under control. Another reason for the enforcement of the law against pigeons is the fear that they could be dangerous for public health. However, expert vets (for example Enrico Moriconi, President ASVeP Onlus Cultural Veterinary Association for Public Health, Torino and Roberto Nisini, Superior Institute of Public Health, Rome) in their articles published on the internet prove that pigeons pose absolutely no danger for public health.

As it appears, the law against pigeons is based only on wrong preconceptions and a hatred for the birds which unfortunately is shared by many Italian people. There have been many protests by animal lovers but they have all been ignored and sometimes the participants have even been chased by the police.

We have started this petition for defending animal rights and for kindly requesting the abolishing of this unjust law. This law seems unfair not only for animals but also for animal lovers who are punished for showing compassion to the birds by feeding them -in other words, for their acts of kindness and love. This law is actually against PERSONAL FREEDOM as it does not allow people who love animals to practice their beliefs and express their good feelings towards birds. Thus it is a law against both ANIMAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS. The purpose of law is to eliminate evil, but instead of serving that purpose, the Venetian law in question incriminates innocent people and causes endless suffering to birds. In Venice there are not many trees and seeds so the birds cannot survive easily without the help of sensitive people.

Pigeons are the tamest and friendliest birds. Just as well as dolphins, they offer joy to many people, especially to old lonely people, tourists who feel welcomed by the friendly Venetian birds (which have been a tourist attraction for many years), and children who invite them to eat from their hands. Because of their innocence, pigeons are traditionally associated with peace and spirituality. During the world-wars pigeons were also used for carrying important messages and saved the lives of many people.

These beautiful birds and the nice people who care for animals (which are weak and defenseless) deserve our help, protection and support. Therefore we kindly request that you reconsider this unjust law that is against animals and humans. Thank you for reading our letter.