Burnie Council to start 'humanely destroying' pigeons in capture program

The Burnie City Council on Tuesday night voted eight to one to commence a two-month pigeon capture program trial in the CBD.

Councillor Ken Dorsey moved a motion calling for the council to "begin, continue, conclude" culling the pigeon population, which was quickly followed by an alternative motion suggested by general manager Simon Overland and moved by Cr David Pease:

In his comments to the council, Mr Overland noted that the council had "no specific responsibility' to control the pigeon population.

"However, it is acknowledged that concerns continue to be expressed in the community in respect to the mess created by the increasing population of pigeons," he said.

He said council officers had explored the reintroduction of a capture program such as one trialled in 2018, at the cost of about $1600 a week.

"It is proposed to trial this program commencing September as the weather improves, for a period of eight weeks, and then review impact on pigeon numbers," he said.

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He said the program might not be completely effective.

"It should be acknowledged that as resident pigeons are removed, other birds, including pigeons, may migrate to the CBD," he warned.

"Property owners in the CBD can also do their part to manage the pigeon population though blocking off convenient nesting points in eaves and awning, on building roofs and the like.

"The community can also do their part though not feeding birds and ensuring that food sources e.g. discarded food, food dropped on the ground etc. are minimised."

Councillor Giovanna Simpson asked a point of clarification before the vote, checking on whether or not a "capture program" would result in the pigeons being killed.

"Yes the pigeons will be humanely destroyed," Mr Overland answered.

"I'm not overly excited about that, so I will vote against it," Cr Simpson responded.

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