All wild birds, including pigeons, their nests and eggs, are protected by law. It is an offence, except under licence, to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird, to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird, and to intentionally take or destroy the eggs of any wild bird.
Is pigeon protected in UK?
You may be surprised to hear that pigeons, and other wild birds, are actually protected under the law. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 declares it is illegal to kill or injure any wild bird, including pigeons and seagulls unless general licensing regulations are complied with.
Is it against the law to feed pigeons in London?
While it is not against the law to feed pigeons in the UK, councils do have the capacity to pass their own laws where pigeon populations have become a pest.
How do I get rid of pigeons in London?
Pigeon proofing using bird spikes
They are a ubiquitous sight in London which is a testament to how effective they are. The spikes are very uncomfortable for pigeons to perch on but they are designed as a deterrent, not to cause harm.
Can you shoot pigeons on a Sunday UK?
It is an offence to kill any wild bird, gamebird or hare on a Sunday. Although there is no restriction on killing any wild bird, gamebird or hare on Christmas Day, provided it does not fall on a Sunday, it is not customary to do so.
Can I shoot pigeons on my roof UK?
Generally, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in the UK has legislated through the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Chapter 69) that it’s illegal to harm or kill wild birds, such as pigeons and seagulls, unless an individual adheres to certain licences.
Is it illegal to destroy a pigeon nest UK?
All wild bird species, their eggs and nests are protected by law. You must always try to avoid harming birds or to use measures which do not kill or injure them before considering taking harmful action.
Can I report my Neighbour for feeding pigeons?
There are no laws the Council can use to stop people feeding birds. However, if a large amount of rotting food accumulates, or the feeding is attracting rats or mice, the Council may be able to help. If the feeding is simply causing nuisance from droppings etc., it is a private matter between neighbours.
Can you take pigeons off the street UK?
You must not keep any wild bird (or its egg or nest) unless you can prove it was taken or killed legally. Taken legally means any of the following: taken under licence.
Can you shoot pigeons all year round UK?
Pigeon can be shot all year in the UK. There is no close season. In general the best time to shoot them is when the farmers plant spring crops from late February and through March and April. The Shooting is best between June until the end of October.
Why are there so many pigeons in London?
The main reasons London has so many pigeons
These are simple. These birds are bold and comfortable around crowds of people, London has an abundance of places to scavenge and shelter, and the fact that people feed them. London has thousands of dustbins scattered throughout the city.
Do councils deal with pigeons?
If the birds are damaging your house, the Council will respond to this matter quite quickly. The Council will seek to keep peace and order in the town or community, therefore, you can be assured they will work to find a solution to the issue.
Can you shoot nuisance pigeons?
Individual states have their own laws concerning pigeons. Some states allow poisoning while others see it as animal cruelty. Most allow shooting as the most effective way of killing pigeons, and although you don’t need a special licence, a basic hunting licence is required.
Can I shoot pigeons in my backyard?
Worse still, birds can wreck the hard work you’ve put into your home and garden. As per the US Fish and Wildlife Service, wild bird species, with the exception of pigeons, starlings, and English sparrows, are protected by law, so it’s illegal to trap or kill them.
Can I shoot pigeons on my house?
In most states, you can legally trap and kill pigeons on your property. There are, however, certain exceptions and details to these laws that you should be aware of before attempting to hunt feral pigeons, especially because you do not want to mistakenly harm a homing pigeon.
What can I do about nuisance pigeons?
The only effective way to minimise this nuisance is to remove food sources, roosting sites and breeding sites. London boroughs are working to achieve this through their activities to keep the capital clean and through education programmes with the public.
Will a laser light scare pigeons?
Using the green laser beam unsettles the birds as it approaches them, and whilst it doesn’t hurt them, birds don’t like it, and will move away from an area. Laser bird deterrents can be used to scare and repel all types of pest bird species including pigeons, gulls, starling and Canada geese.
How do I get rid of pigeons on my roof UK?
Deterrents like wire coils, stainless steel wires, and spikes are all low-profile additions that can prevent birds from perching on the roof. For best results, install them on any flat surface where pigeons could land, including roof drip edges, flashing, and caps.
What to do if you have pigeons in your roof?
How To Keep Pigeons Off Your Roof
- Install scare-pigeons. These lightweight kites are usually sold in the form of hawk silhouettes and are great at scaring away pigeons.
- Use reflective surfaces.
- Install sloped sheathing.
- Use natural repellents.
- Use bird netting.
- Don’t make your property pigeon-friendly.
- Call a pest controller.
How do I permanently get rid of pigeons?
When getting rid of pigeons, practical traps and repellents are the best options to utilise to ensure the birds are repelled from your property. Falconry, anti-bird spikes, parallel wires, bird netting, bird gels, decoy kites, and lasers are all effective in ridding pigeons from your property.
Can you cut down a tree with a pigeon nest in it UK?
If any type of bird is nesting in a tree or hedge then it is legally protected, so long as the nest is in use. This may prohibit certain types of tree pruning or removal until the nesting season is over. Removing dense hedges or substantially reducing them would be illegal, but annual trimming may be acceptable.