Commentary: It really shouldn’t be this hard dealing with Singapore’s pesky pigeon problem

SINGAPORE: A 67-year-old man was recently fined S$4,800 (US$3,604) for feeding pigeons on repeated occasions despite being told to stop. It was telling that several online reactions were complaints about similar offenders in their neighbourhoods.

Rock pigeons have become a ubiquitous sight in urban environments around the world, including Singapore. While some accept their presence as a part of urban life, others brand them as pests that pose health and environmental risks.

With an estimated population of more than 190,000 in Singapore, these green and grey birds have brought along a host of disamenities, from bothering hawker centre customers to leaving bird droppings everywhere.

Pigeon droppings deface buildings, public spaces and even vehicles, and their corrosive nature can cause damage over time, requiring frequent cleaning efforts and maintenance. The droppings can also endanger public health as breeding grounds for bacteria and parasites.

To tackle the problem, authorities have employed a range of measures, including public awareness campaigns and culling exercises in hotspot areas.

But opinions on how to deal with pigeons differ. Some support culling as a way to reduce their numbers though, even among this group, there is often shock and dismay over the population control methods used.

In May, it was reported that a Yishun resident found some pigeons struggling on the ground next to many more dead or unconscious nearby, describing the scene as “sad and inhumane”.

Do these actions genuinely target the root cause of the rapid increase in pigeons across Singapore?

DOES CULLING SOLVE THE PROBLEM?

Culling, such as by feeding them poisoned grains, subjects birds to unnecessary suffering. It inflicts slow, painful deaths on pigeons and other urban birds like mynahs and crows, which can be distressing when it happens in full view of the public in common spaces like void decks.

The use of poison poses risks also to other unintended animals, such as dogs and cats that may accidentally come into contact with it, highlighting the need for more humane and sustainable approaches to managing urban wildlife.

Beyond ethical considerations, these culling methods have proven to be ineffective in managing pigeon populations. Research shows the "vacuum effect" phenomenon occurs when pigeons are culled in one area.

New pigeons from surrounding areas, attracted to newly vacated territories with more food and less competition, flock in and reproduce. Pigeons have high reproductive rates, so their populations rebound swiftly despite culling efforts.

This was exemplified in the culling programme conducted in Basel, Switzerland, from 1961 to 1985. About 100,000 pigeons were culled through shooting and trapping during this period, yet the population remained stable.

Compare this with a different approach adopted in the same city in 1988 by an organisation called Pigeon Action, focused on public education campaigns, discouraging pigeon feeding, and implementing pigeon lofts to remove eggs. Within four years, the pigeon population was halved.

The case of Basel exemplifies how long-term strategies that emphasise public engagement and responsible behaviour can achieve significant reductions in pigeon populations without resorting to cruel and ineffective culling methods.

WELL-INTENTIONED FEEDERS, UNINTENDED HARM

In Singapore, two straightforward long-term solutions stand out: Stop feeding pigeons and avoid leaving food sources accessible to them.

In 2020, stricter penalties for feeding pigeons were introduced, with fines of up to S$10,000. Despite this, the National Parks Board (NParks) took enforcement actions in more than 200 cases of pigeon feeding from Jun 1, 2020, to Jun 28, 2023.

Feeding pigeons has become somewhat ingrained among some residents, with a particular prevalence among our seniors. Some individuals may still be unaware of the negative associated consequences, while others see feeding birds as an act of kindness towards animals that brings joy, a sense of purpose, or even a sort of companionship if they experience isolation and loneliness.

Efforts have been made by grassroots organisations and non-profit organisations like the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) in engaging senior feeders in other fulfilling activities. NParks also works with partners to engage pigeon feeders to understand why they do so and what might make them stop.

Innovative suggestions also exist, such as introducing oral contraceptives, even encouraging pigeon feeders to provide these contraceptive measures instead.

Moreover, in other countries, the implementation of pigeon lofts to encourage roosting and the management of pigeon populations by removing laid eggs and replacing them with dummy eggs have shown promising results, offering viable alternatives. It is essential to thoroughly explore and assess the safety and long-term feasibility of such interventions before implementation.

For the rest of the community, taking responsibility for clearing up after ourselves and not leaving food waste out is one of the most effective ways to reduce pigeon populations.

MAINTAINING CLEANLINESS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Despite the simplicity of the solutions, coupled with heavy penalties and extensive public campaigns, why do we continue to struggle with implementing these straightforward actions?

It appears that the full consequences of our actions and their impact on the environment and public health have not entirely sunk in. Has our reliance on domestic helpers and cleaners led us to overlook the importance of cleaning up after ourselves?

Before the tray return rule at hawker centres was introduced in September 2021, some disagreed with the policy as they falsely believed it might adversely affect the livelihood of cleaners if there is less work for them. Others displayed a sense of entitlement, believing that cleaners and public agencies bear the sole responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, as their cleaning services were already paid for.

Regardless, the issue at hand persists and the consequences are intertwined with our actions. If we allow for a proliferation of food waste and readily available food sources, we will inevitably experience the disamenities caused by pigeons and other urban birds.

If we neglect to take effective action now, we may find ourselves in a situation where culling becomes an undesirable solution. The responsibility to strike a balance between urban development and wildlife coexistence rests on our shoulders.

Aarthi Sankar is the Executive Director of SPCA Singapore.