Barcelona will be the first major European city to control the pigeon population with contraceptives.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himIn Barcelona, the pigeon birth control.
That's right: against the prevailing proliferation of these birds, not really loved by those who live in the city, even in the Catalan capital we want to put a point on the unsightly presence of street pigeons. How? With a contraceptive.
Barcelona will indeed be the first major European city that will control the pigeon population with contraceptives, after having presented the initiative in the framework of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Council for coexistence, defense and animal protection. In a statement, the mayor of the city, Ada Colau, is committed to "clear and firm" action to control pigeons "ethical". But are we sure?
READ also: HOW TO REMOVE PIGEONS FROM THE BALCONY IN A NATURAL WAY
It is estimated that in the Spanish city there are 85 thousand pigeons, characterized by a high reproduction and, at the same time, by a high juvenile mortality. In recent years, the municipal administration's goal was simply the large-scale slaughter, exterminating and killing hundreds of birds, even passing through the catapult complete with gas suppression. Then, fortunately, numerous animal advocacy groups made themselves heard and the city considered a more "ethical" method that will not result in single deaths but will provide birth control.
In practice, 40 bird feeders will be installed around the city, stocked with feed which itself contains a contraceptive. The active ingredient is the nicarbazina, an anti-parasitic drug first used to treat poultry and, according to forecasts, an 80% reduction in the initial population could be achieved after four or five years of treatment.
But, what's it about?
And here the painful notes. Nicarbazin certainly does not enjoy a good reputation. It has already been spoken of in the past as a "harmless contraceptive", but it seems that it is not. The drug causes a increase in body temperature such as to make the eggs sterile. Alright then. But this could mean that city pigeons, who are already living in stressful situations, with a very high fever for 6-8 consecutive months, are certainly going to die.
Not even the solution found in Barcelona so that's okay? We are not convinced, if only that it is about drugs administered when? In what dose? We remain of the idea that there are other peaceful ways to keep these pigeons in the city from causing trouble. Here are some proposed by Lipu-BirdLife.
Germana Carillo
Photo: Martin Dougiamas/flickr
