The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Pigeons were once heroes
When you look back at the incredible services that pigeons offered us in both World Wars, it is difficult to reconcile the antagonistic views held by some people. Whilst they complain of their numbers now, the numbers were useful indeed as 250,000 of them were deployed by the UK Government in World War Two alone.
In fact, the Air Ministry maintained an actual Pigeon Section with a Pigeon Policy Committee making the decisions regarding the military usage of the birds. The PDSA Dicken Medal for outstanding gallantry was awarded 54 times and 32 of those were to pigeons. The medal is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. Commando, one of these war heroes flew 90 missions behind enemy lines. Think of that lone pigeon flying through the elements by himself across France and
behind German lines to an Agent and then making the return journey home. He has also been honoured with a Blue Plaque on the loft where he was born in Haywards Heath.
Yet today, being of no use any more, the pigeons are referred to by some as 'rats with wings'.
In several towns and cities in the UK, people moan about them and trap them and shoot and gas them or wring their necks, all methods of culling. Is this a fitting end to a noble breed that served us well when we needed them? One of these cities is Peterborough where Trudy May (PT, April 28) has made damning allegations against pigeons which can only be described as being of the 'hate' variety as she has not specified her experience in the field and has stated that the pigeons need 'culling' due to the disease they spread.
Kevin Newell, of Humane Wildlife Solutions, has received awards from the Pest Control Industry itself and he said: “Culling is the
most short-lived approach as new birds can populate the new territory within days.
"It is known that culling pigeons does not work and In fact, in some cases, it increases the population. “As for disease, you can find these in lots of wild animals and on cats and dogs, so if our pets are not a risk to us then neither are the pigeons .”
Therefore, Peterborough City Council would be well advised to obtain outside advice. Your readers’ hardearned money would be better spent and they should
be moving in the direction our world is trying to take, that of taking the kinder and more sustainable route in how we treat the other creatures on this planet we occupy together.
Denise Theophilus Foundation For Feathered Friends
… I am deeply saddened by the attitude taken towards our city’s pigeons in the letter published on May 2.
Feral pigeons are remarkable birds. Although humans now persecute them as pests, pigeons used to be beloved pets and prized messengers.
During the World Wars, pigeons carried vital messages from the front lines and scenes of disaster, saving the lives of numerous men with their unmatched homing abilities. Though pigeon droppings can contain harmful substances, the risk to humans is near nonexistent, unless someone is actively breathing in
massive quantities of very old, dry excreta.
Our city’s robust street cleaning efforts ensure that no droppings linger for long, and certainly not in any amount that would pose a threat to human health. Pigeon culls are shockingly ineffective. Studies have shown that pigeon populations remain stable regardless of large-scale culling due to the population dynamics of the species.
The real outcome of culls is a callous cycle of death, and the only winners are
‘Our experts are doing all they can to help children’
the pest control companies that stand to rake in big profits for their repeat futile services. Council funds would be better spent on initiatives to tackle littering, which is a far greater blight on the city centre than pigeon droppings ever were. Pigeons have the same great capacity for joy, love, grief, and suffering as any of the domestic animals we care for. Their complex lives are worthy of respect.