Salzburg's pigeon problem: Strict ban causes still dying

Salzburg's pigeon problem: Strict ban causes still dying

Salzburg, Österreich - In Salzburg, the tightened pigeon feeding requires serious problems. According to a report by ots.at , the negative effects on the urban population and the pigeons themselves are alarming. Animal protection Austria criticizes the high punishments that are imposed on people, feed the street pigeons. According to the organization, this measure has proven to be counterproductive and only leads to a "breastfeeding dying" of the birds. President Dr.in Madeleine Petrovic describes the situation as intolerable, since dead pigeons are repeatedly found on the streets - many have died by driving over or exhaustion.

The feeding ban has existed since 1992 and was tightened in 2009 to prevent dirt and overpopulation. However, as the animal welfare organization states, this ban has proven to be an animal welfare. Pigeons that descend from domesticated house pigeons are dependent on human care and cannot survive in an urban environment if they are not fed.

criticism of dealing with city pigeons

The situation in Salzburg is not just an isolated case. In numerous cities, including Vienna, Augsburg and Basel, there are actually successful concepts for controlled population control. Animal protection Austria therefore urgently calls for rethinking in the city administration. A forward -looking model could be a pigeon house for the species -appropriate care of the animals. The association is also committed to the creation of an animal protection city pigeon concept to counteract the criminalization of citizens who want to help the pigeons.

The Problem is reinforced by documented poisoning cases that have resulted in up to 100 dead pigeons in recent years. Animal protection Austria emphasizes that the feeding ban is not only ineffective, but also actively causes suffering and leads to an increase in death.

The context of the city pigeons

as on tierrechte.de , city pigeons are often controversial in society. They are perceived as lovable birds and as pests. These are pets that descend from escaped or exposed house, letter or racial pigeons and are not adapted to life in the wild.

city pigeons use architectural structures as nesting places and find food in urban areas - often from leftovers. In fact, the "pigeon problem" is more man -made, because for over 2,000 years, pigeons were bred as messengers and food source. The domestication has produced genetic properties, which among other things resulted in reduced aggression behavior and an increased reproductive rate. Under optimal conditions, breeding pairs can raise up to 12 fledged young animals a year.

Health risks by pigeons are not significantly higher than in other birds or pets. In addition, they are not considered pests within the meaning of the Infection Protection Act. Therefore, the demand for professional pigeon management, which can be implemented by the municipalities in cooperation with animal welfare associations and volunteers. Efficient alternatives such as supervised nesting places, regulated feed supply and comprehensive citizen education could help to improve the situation for city pigeons.