200 Pigeons Rescued from Limburg (Germany)
The planned culling of feral pigeons in the German city of Limburg remains a contentious issue. Animal welfare activists are now rescuing some of the birds.
For months, the debate over the culling of pigeons in the city of Limburg (Germany) has been simmering — now 200 of the birds are to be rescued.
«The animal rescuers from Gut Aiderbichl will collect the pigeons in Limburg and transport them to the Upper Palatinate,» explained Dieter Ehrengruber, Managing Director of Gut Aiderbichl, an animal welfare organisation based in Austria.
According to their own statements, Gut Aiderbichl Eslarn offers pigeons in need one of the largest sanctuaries in Europe. «Two large aviaries already provide accommodation for 3’000 pigeons,» it was stated.
In a citizens’ referendum held in June, a majority of Limburg residents voted in favour of implementing a corresponding municipal council resolution to cull the pigeons. Under discussion was the option of stunning the pigeons and killing them by breaking their necks. Culling as a means of population control is not a sustainable solution.
Target Population of 300 Pigeons
The municipal assembly had resolved to forgo the establishment of pigeon lofts for birth control of the birds. As a result, such facilities are only possible through the initiative of institutions or private individuals.
Some time ago, a count revealed that there were around 700 pigeons in Limburg. The stated goal was a population of approximately 300 birds, as was most recently announced by the town hall. By that calculation, a further 200 pigeons would still need to be culled. A spokesperson for the city stated that the public order office had conducted another count in September.
Planned Publication of New Figures
No confirmed figures were yet available; publication was planned before the end of the year. On the basis of the new figures, the issue would then need to be pursued further.
«We regret that the decision turned out this way and that our sustainable solution with the managed pigeon houses will not be implemented», said Ehrengruber from Gut Aiderbichl. «Nevertheless, we stand by our word and will take in the 200 pigeons to prevent their killing.» He also pointed out, however, that this is a one-time rescue in Limburg and that the overpopulation of pigeons there will not be permanently resolved by the rescue.
