Manchester Victoria Station Pigeon Cull Triggers Public Outcry and Police Probe
Nearly one hundred pigeons have been shot dead by pest controllers at Manchester Victoria Station, sparking widespread outrage and prompting an investigation by British Transport Police. The culling operation, which occurred over a two-month period after hours, targeted birds deemed an unmanageable nuisance by Northern Trains, but has drawn fierce criticism for its alleged inhumanity.
Injured Birds Discovered During Early Morning Commutes
Members of the public first raised alarms when they encountered severely injured pigeons during early morning journeys through the bustling transport hub. Many of these birds were left to suffer slow, painful deaths, according to eyewitness reports. Manchester Pigeon Rehab, a local volunteer group, highlighted one particularly distressing case involving a pigeon named Victor, who sustained such grave injuries that his leg required amputation.
A spokesperson for the rehabilitation group detailed, "A member of the public reported a grounded pigeon on the day of a cull. When the bird was taken into care, a pellet was found lodged in their neck." This incident underscores the brutal nature of the shootings, which have left animal lovers across the city heartbroken.
Service Reports Reveal Chilling Details of the Cull
Internal documents from the pest controllers provide a grim account of the operation. On a single night in October, twenty-nine pigeons were killed, followed by eighteen the subsequent week, with a note on the report cheerfully stating, "better night tonight." These records have fueled public anger, raising questions about the ethics and legality of such measures.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, shooting pigeons as pest control is illegal unless all alternative methods have been exhausted. Northern Trains claims that surveys and risk assessments justified the cull, citing risks to staff and customers, but the company has since halted the activity after reviewing distressing footage shared on social media.
Northern Trains Responds Amid Growing Controversy
A spokesperson for Northern Trains addressed the situation, stating, "This pest control activity was carried out at Manchester Victoria station last year, as the pigeons were becoming unmanageable and posing a risk to colleagues and customers. This was undertaken by a licensed and specialist subcontractor, following surveys and risk assessments."
The company emphasized that it employs various methods to manage pigeons across its network and has instructed contractors to cease culling at Manchester Victoria. "We are reviewing the footage posted on social media and are sorry for any distress caused," the spokesperson added, acknowledging the public's distress.
Broader Context of Urban Pigeon Management Challenges
This incident is not isolated, reflecting ongoing tensions between urban infrastructure and wildlife. Previously, a controversial plan to cull pigeons near canal-side flats in Chester was abandoned after bird lovers rallied in protest. Conversely, pigeons can cause significant damage, as seen in a 2023 London case where a flock of forty birds inflicted £15,000 in destruction to a flat, covering surfaces in excrement and creating an overwhelming stench.
As the investigation continues, the debate over humane pest control methods intensifies, highlighting the need for balanced solutions that address public safety without compromising animal welfare. The cessation of culling at Manchester Victoria offers a temporary reprieve, but the broader issue of managing urban pigeon populations remains a contentious topic across British cities.
