December 30th, 2007 by 
PiCAS International
The debate over the use of Avitrol, a poison commonly used to control bird populations, continues to rage in the USA with an attempt by one wildlife rehabilitator in the city of Gardner, Massachusetts, to have the poison banned. Sigrid Warren has called upon Gardner’s new Mayor Elect, Mark Hawke, to outlaw the poison in attempt to reduce the suffering caused to both pigeons (the species most commonly targeted by pest control companies that recommend Avitrol) and other wildlife that die agonising deaths due to direct or secondary poisoning. PiCAS International fully supports Sigrid Warren’s attempts to have this dangerous and indiscriminate poison banned in Gardner. PiCAS International has offered to work alongside Gardner City Council, and with any property owner experiencing an entrenched pigeon-related problem, to provide a humane, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to the use of poison or any other form of lethal control. The story can be read in full on the website of the Worcester Telegram and Gazette:
http://www.telegram.com/article/20071230/NEWS/712300405
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December 24th, 2007 by PiCAS International
The debate over the use of the controversial pigeon contraceptive, OvoControl P, is heating up in the USA with many experts and pro-pigeon groups joining the long list of those opposing the use of this dangerous drug. Although groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) are actively supporting and promoting the use of OvoControl P, the widespread use of this contraceptive could have disastrous consequences for feral pigeon populations in the form of reduced resistance to coccidiosis, arguably the most devastating of all the pigeon diseases*.
The issue of pigeon control has recently hit the headlines in the USA with one New York City Council Member proposing a total feeding ban in New York city, with $1000 fines for anyone caught feeding pigeons. This has, inevitably, fuelled debate over the various control options that could be employed by the City Council to reduce pigeon flock size in the city. Although PiCAS International does not condone the uncontrolled feeding of feral pigeons, particularly where excessive feeding is concerned, a total feeding ban is unworkable. Before any action is taken to provide an area-wide pigeon control system in New York city an independent in-depth study must be undertaken followed by a structured, humane and effective control programme.
One of the control options that has been proposed for New York city is the use of OvoControl P and, apparently, trials have already taken place within the city to assess the effectiveness of the new contraceptive. Other cities in the USA are also undertaking trials of the drug. Although PiCAS International is deeply opposed to the use of this drug to control pigeon populations, due to the inevitable increase in coccidia amongst flocks that are being fed the drug, there is a need for an independent, expert and non-commercial body to collate information resulting from these trials. PiCAS International is therefore appealing to any organisation that has undertaken trials with OvoControl P, or is actively trialling the drug, to contact us and share information, particularly information relating to welfare assessments of target flocks.
*Wim Peters
Veterinary Surgeon and renowned expert in pigeon health
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