Forget about a pigeon cull. How about a pigeon pill?
The City of Trail is now researching methods of birth control for the birds.
“It seems incredible to me that we are spending this much time on pigeons,” said Coun. Robert Cacchioni. “But I want to mention that council is looking at this problem.
“And in actual fact, we are looking at finding a feed that we can give to these particular birds that will render them sterile. In effect, a birth control pill.”
Cacchioni said that when studying the actual cost and the escalation in the pigeon population, the idea may give the most bang for the buck.
“In fact, if we can find this particular product, it would be a very simple solution,” explained Cacchioni. “No birds would be killed, they could have all the fun they want, and within a few years, we wouldn’t have any more issues.”
David Perehudoff, chief administrative officer, said that there definitely is such a product approved for use within the U.S.
“We are determining whether or not we have license to use it within B.C. and Canada,” he said.
“So it would obviously be the solution that is preferred here. Our staff is researching it right now, because it is the most humane alternative.”