Pigeon numbers halved in one week by Ernie and Leia
Bird Control in Cannock Town Centre
The number of feral pigeons in Cannock town centre has been halved in just one week after a pair of Harris hawks were brought in by Cannock Chase Council to scare them away.
Cannock Chase Council's Environmental Health commissioned NBC Bird & Pest Solutions - a national company with an office in Burntwood - to use the hawks to frighten pigeons away from Cannock and Rugeley town centres.
And they had a great first week in Cannock:
• On Monday 29th June there were over 100 pigeons in Cannock town centre -
by Friday 3rd July that number was down to around 50
• NBC's falconers spoke to 129 members of the public to advise them of the problems
caused by feral pigeons and the importance of not feeding them
• Ten businesses were visited and given advice on proofing their buildings.
After this busy week in Cannock town centre, Ernie and Leia are now turning their sights to Rugeley town centre (week beginning July 6th). As well as a full week in Rugeley town centre, the hawks will also be returning to Cannock to ensure their good work is maintained. From Monday 13th July Ernie and Leia will then be making regular visits to both town centres until the end of the month.
In Cannock town centre last week, a number of members of the public were seen feeding the pigeons, especially at lunchtime. NBC falconers spoke to them directly about why this should not be done - and from this week (beginning July 6th), the Council will be issuing Fixed Penalty Notices to anyone seen feeding the pigeons in Cannock town centre.
Feral pigeons have been causing a real problem in both town centres, making buildings look unsightly and even posing a public health risk as they often carry diseases. Using hawks is a proven method and is well-received by the public as a natural and humane way of scaring pigeons. It is positive action to reduce the problems caused by pigeons, as well as showing regard for those residents who want no harm caused to the birds.
Cllr Tony Williams, Cannock Chase Council Environmental Sustainability Leader, said: "The falconers had a very effective first week in Cannock town centre. They have made a noticeable difference already and we hope to see a similar success in Rugeley this week (week beginning July 6th). "Pigeons have been causing a real problem in all our town centres and we receive a large number of complaints about the mess they cause. A particular problem is the droppings, not only do they make buildings look unsightly but can cause long-term damage in the worst cases. Members of the public have been very concerned about our war memorials. The birds also pose a public health risk because they often carry diseases.
"I again urge members of the public not feed the pigeons in the town centres, as this keeps the pigeons in the town centres and food missed by the pigeons also encourages rats. The Council looks very seriously on this type of littering and will be issuing £75 Fixed Penalty Notices to anyone seen feeding pigeons in Cannock town centre from this week, and then next week (beginning July 13th) in Rugeley town centre."
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