Pigeon repellent paste: A scandal against bird protection

So-called pigeon paste, a supposedly innovative product for deterring pigeons, is becoming a deadly trap for increasing numbers of birds. According to the manufacturer, this paste can be applied to surfaces where pigeons and other birds like to perch. Bird conservationists are now urgently advising against the use of such deterrent products. Birds that land on the silicone-like paste get their claws stuck in it. While preening, they spread the adhesive through their plumage, rendering them unable to fly. If they are not found and cleaned in time, the consequences are fatal.

Every year, the Swift and Alpine Swift Station run by Silvia Volpi in Rümlang cares for, provides medical treatment to, and raises and releases more than 300 swifts.

Unfortunately, the station has observed that the number of injured adult birds increases significantly each year. In addition to “classical” injuries caused by collisions with glass, more and more swifts are being brought in with heavily matted plumage. It appears that during their approach to the nest they have come into contact with and/or become stuck in a persistently adhesive substance. A bird in this condition — if it can free itself at all — loses its ability to fly and dies a miserable death, unless it is found and brought immediately to a care station, which is something that very few birds are lucky enough to experience. The cause of the matted plumage is a so-called pigeon repellent paste, which is being used more and more widely to “protect” buildings from birds.

On countless buildings across Europe, this killer paste has become a deadly trap for pigeons, sparrows, redstarts, tits, swifts, swallows, insects … – even birds of prey are among the victims, having caught stuck birds and become stuck themselves..

According to the manufacturers, this pigeon repellent paste is supposed to be “environmentally friendly and harmless” to birds.

Unfortunately, the opposite is the case. Is this deliberate harm to animals even legal, or is this a massive violation of animal welfare legislation?There is widespread lamentation about the alarming decline of our bird populations, yet a glue paste that has been proven to be a deadly trap for the animals affected is still permitted to be used?

The Common Swift and Alpine Swift Station Rümlang therefore urgently requests that the legality of this pigeon-deterrent paste be reviewed and, if necessary, that legal action be initiated, or that efforts be made to have it banned.