SUMMARY OF SITUATION

• In July 2025, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, in collaboration with Green Adelaide, installed bird-safe netting under the Felixstow Bridge on O.G. Road.

• The stated objectives were to improve water quality in the River Torrens, maintain amenity, and protect infrastructure.

• Since installation, the netting has trapped and confined numerous pigeons and other bird species, including nesting adults and chicks, resulting in serious animal welfare breaches. Despite claims of humane management, extensive on-site evidence gathered by witnesses and activists contradicts DIT’s assurances that the netting is safe for wildlife, monitored daily, and that no birds have been killed or injured.

• On 14 October, the MFS were called to remove two injured ducklings from the net; footage has been captured (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DJ4dxAbxV/)

• One trapped duckling from 10 October remains unaccounted for (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16g3R2ws5Z/)

• A few welcome swallows were trapped inside the nettings and their bodies never been found (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16CkS6pmnx/)

• As of 15 October 2025, at least 18 pigeons remain trapped, along with one duckling who has likely perished. Birds are still confined, unable to access food or water, and actively breeding, meaning chicks will starve without immediate intervention. (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BW2pTwxor/)

• On 4th of November, two juvenile pigeons were spotted getting fed by their mum. These two babies were hatched inside the nettings after they closed off the nettings. (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19ixDUE42g/)

• On 5th of November, they removed the mum by feeding traps and her babies remained inside the nettings, she was desperately trying to get back to her chicks, but obviously she couldn't (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1APvJRNngL/)

• On 10th of November, we called MFS to rescue a couple of juvenile pigeons who desperately needed help. they both seems so weaks and are about todie. MFS cews came over, but refused to help. (https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bf3e9swuv/

• On 11th of November, One of juvenile pigeons died of hunger and dehydration inside the nettings. If MFS would help yesterday when they came over, she might be still alive. This netting is so cruel and shame that #RSPCA is not doing anything about that. (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Cuf3Z7GFB/

ENTRAPMENT AND STARVATION

• Eighteen pigeons remain trapped, visibly distressed

• Hatched eggshells and active nests indicate chicks are likely starving (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19oF2EU6wC/)

• Rentokil has provided two feeding traps to remove the trapped pigeons from the nettings but they are insufficient, poorly designed, and infrequently checked (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DEkaRRRrT/)

• Rentokil add 2 more feeding traps later on, but it doesn't seem help the situation much.

• Rentokil meant to put extra shallow water dishes in the nettings, but they only provided for a week or so and then they remove them.

• Food and water placed by the public are the only reason pigeons remain alive.

• This contravenes Section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act 1985, which prohibits confining animals without adequate access to food and water

IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND DESIGN

• The netting installed in July was poorly managed, and its ineffectiveness has allowed adult birds being trapped in nests with eggs and likely chicks. 

• Two active nests remain inside the structure, and birds will not voluntarily leave 

• The netting is easily vandalised, allowing more birds to enter without any effective removal method 

• Endorsement by RSPCA SA does not exempt DIT or contractors from legal obligations 

• The netting spans the entire bridge underside rather than targeted beams, making monitoring and release of trapped birds nearly impossible 

• Public interference, whether compassionate or otherwise, leads to more birds entering the enclosure 

• Zero consultation with animal welfare organizations occurred before installation, creating predictable welfare breaches and reputational risk 

• The consultation period and installation were mishandled. Other structures could have been considered, and Green Adelaide did not consult with an animal welfare expert prior to installation. 

• The netting has been ineffective and dangerous, resulting in ongoing harm to birds, such as tangling.
• The current netting’s design and installation raise serious concerns about long-term effectiveness 

• The nets are easily vandalized or cut, allowing new birds to enter the enclosed area and potentially become trapped again 

• Repairs have so far proven insufficient to prevent repeat incidents 

• Because the nets are fully spanning and highly accessible, any intervention can reset the problem, meaning the cycle of entrapment, welfare breaches, and public frustration is likely to continue 

• Given these vulnerabilities, the long-term success and sustainability of this netting are in serious question. Without a fundamental redesign or replacement with targeted, secure, and humane deterrents, the structure cannot reliably prevent harm to birds 

• Pigeon Lives Matter proposed opening the far corners of the netting to allow birds to exit freely and enabling pigeons to use the rock faces on either side for nesting. This approach would reduce droppings entering the water or pathways if the netting could be re-secured at these points. DIT did not agree to this proposal, but we strongly recommend that it be considered as a necessary measure, if not the complete removal of the netting. Rentokil instead suggested installing bird escapes on the netting to allow trapped birds to leave.

• The project has reportedly cost $300,000 but has failed to prevent ongoing animal suffering and does not meet ethical or legal standards. 

MISLEADING PUBLIC MESSAGING 

• DIT claims the project is proactive and safe for wildlife, yet evidence demonstrates ongoing suffering 

• National safety standards cited do not cover confinement or humane treatment of live animals 

• Independent observers have recorded extended periods without contractor attendance

• DIT claims Food and water are provided whitin the netted area, which inreality the seeds and water are inside the feeding traps and not inside the nettings. They are desperate to get a few drops of water from the ciling tp survive and obviously if birds don't go to the traps, they would die of hunger and dehydration (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AxAE1nSaN/)

• DIT claims, to date no birds have been harmed through this process, in reality a few welcome swallows perished at the dark corners where is not visible to public

• One duckling died of hunger and dehydration and later on her body was found (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BW2pTwxor/)

• A few welcome swallows were trapped inside the nettings and their bodies never been found (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16CkS6pmnx/)

SPECIESISM AND PUBLIC DOUBLE STANDARDS

• Similar netting in Rundle Mall affecting martin birds was removed after public outcry 

• Felixstow Bridge is treated differently because pigeons are considered “pests” 

• This represents speciesism and undermines Green Adelaide’s stated commitments 

GREEN ADELAIDE ADELAIDE’S WATER QUALITY INITIATIVE

• Netting was installed to reduce pigeon droppings entering the River Torrens, aiming to improve water quality and amenity 

• While droppings contribute nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, urban river nutrient input from pigeons is minor compared to stormwater runoff, fertilizers, rubbish, and wastewater 

• The netting addresses droppings at the expense of bird welfare, rather than implementing humane, environmentally safe alternatives 

• Pigeon droppings are historically recognised as a valuable natural fertiliser, yet they are being used as justification for a project that has caused significant animal suffering 

LEGAL AND ETHICAL FRAMEWORK 

• Section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act 1985 (as amended 2025) prohibits confining any animal without access to food, water, and the ability to escape. This applies to all species, regardless of pest classification 

• DIT, Rentokil, and RSPCA SA may all be in breach of their legal obligations under this legislation 

• Endorsement by the RSPCA does not exempt DIT or contractors from Section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act. Birds unable to access food and water are being deprived in violation of the law. 

CONCLUSION 

• The Felixstow Bridge netting is a failed wildlife management project. It breaches animal welfare law, undermines public trust, and damages the credibility of DIT and Green Adelaide 

• The project has cost an estimated $300,000 and continues to incur additional expenses while creating serious welfare concerns for the entrapped birds and distress among the community 

• The immediate goal is to remove the nettings and release all trapped pigeons, including two active nesting birds, protect active nests, and prevent further suffering 

• True environmental leadership requires compassion for all species, not selective concern based on convenience or perception 

WHAT WE ARE ASKING AS LONG-TERM SOLUTION?  

• Remove full-span nettings and release all trapped pigeons, including two active nesting birds, protect active nests and chicks and prevent further suffering  

• Require wildlife consultation for all future Green Adelaide and DIT projects involving fauna management