Large numbers of feral pigeons are an environmental nuisance and can also cause harm to human health.

Pigeons are not legally classed as vermin and local authorities do not have a specific duty to control pigeons in public places, although most local authorities do carry out some control.

The Problem with Pigeons

When the pigeon population is at a natural level pigeons do not cause any particular problems to humans. However, when an unnatural population boom occurs, such as in most towns and cities in the UK, pigeons can cause a host of problems such as:

fouling pavements making them slippery and dangerous, especially for the elderly

nesting in or on properties causing infestations of beetles, mites, flies and cockroaches

nesting in gutters, causing clogging and flooding

producing corrosive droppings that deface and damage buildings and vehicles

spreading diseases though exposure to pigeon faeces

Advice on Pigeon Feeding

This is an unhygienic and anti-social practice. Feeding pigeons encourages them to gather in large numbers which leads to nuisance, annoyance and the problems listed above. Also, food left out for pigeons frequently attracts rats.

Please refrain from feeding pigeons in the City. If you wish to feed wild birds, obtain a bird table for your garden or another type of bird feeder. Remember, most wild birds are in decline in the UK and need your help much more than pigeons do.