Protect Pigeons, and People who defend them, from abuse in parks and public places, by law

Stop the persecution of pigeons.  It is against the law!

The image above shows a pigeon with the PDSA Dickin Medal with the inscription, “For Gallantry” and “We also serve”.  It was awarded to 32 carrier pigeons in recognition of their outstanding service and bravery in saving thousands of human lives, as messengers, during both World Wars. 

We ask the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and UK Government to enforce the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, to effectively stop the abuse of pigeons, and people who defend them, so that pigeon abuse becomes something which nobody does any longer.

All wild birds in England and Wales, including pigeons, are “protected” under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).  Under this Act, it is an offence to kill, injure or take any wild bird; take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird (while that nest is in use or being built); and take or destroy an egg of any wild bird. 

So, pigeon abuse is against the law.  You would never know it!  The Act is not enforced and pigeons are relentlessly kicked, chased and even stoned to death, often by children, in full view of adults. Anyone defending pigeons risks their own safety and are threatened or even attacked. Women are particularly at risk in this respect. This is unacceptable.

A Link to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is below -

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/wildlife-and-the-law/wildlife-and-countryside-act/

A link to the Wildlife and Countryside Act, provided by the RSPB is below - 

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/wildlife-and-the-law/wildlife-and-countryside-act/

Pigeon abuse is animal abuse.  It can lead to further abuse of animals and people. The boys who murdered Jamie Bulger had a history of animal abuse, for example.

My Petition link is below.  Please sign and share it. 

http://chng.it/SZjDqPJzDx

Hear the song, “Please be Nice to Pigeons”:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWbqyExGnGk

We all deserve parks and public places to be abuse-free.

The RSPCA says that anyone witnessing stoning/ kicking of pigeons should call the RSPCA Advice Control centre on 0300 1234 999.

Defra says that anyone who believes that a wildlife crime has been, or is being committed, should report the matter to the police. If the crime is in progress, they should call 999. If the crime has already happened, they should call 101. 

Crimes can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/ 

Currently, NOBODY with the power to protect pigeons, has acted to protect them.  Media denigration of pigeons must be replaced by a positive attitude, and abuse of pigeons must stop, so that EVERYONE can enjoy public places safely.

Pigeon abuse began when a London Mayor banned pigeons from Trafalgar Square, and stopped people feeding them in 2001. Hitherto, pigeons had been loved as war heroes, who saved thousands of human lives during both World Wars, as messengers.   Today, pigeons help in vital communication and sea rescue, as their brilliant eyesight enables them to see colours at a great distance.

The rumour that pigeons are a “health hazard”, is declared untrue by vets and the RSPB.  

Notices denigrating pigeons lead to more persecution, and should be removed. 

Pigeon houses could be built, to protect pigeons and enable them to provide guano, which is highly prized by organic farmers and gardeners. This would give pigeons a new new role in a greener world for us all. 

Pigeons are gentle and intelligent.  They can identify letters of the alphabet, have brilliant homing and navigational skills and make excellent parents to their young.  They helped save our nation during its darkest days of war.  Like us, they are only trying to survive. 

Our parks and public places would be safer and more enjoyable for everyone, if pigeons were not abused there.  

We ask the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the U.K. Government to enforce the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, to effectively stop the abuse of pigeons, and people who defend them, so that pigeon abuse becomes something which nobody does any longer.