Petition No.: 82 Signatures: 2000
Fourteenth Legislature (2022 - 2026 )
Details - Online
Title
PIGEONS IN MALTA “Contraceptive for Control, Yes… Killing, No'
Date
03-02-2026
Date petition closes for signatures
06-04-2026
Creator of petition
BILLY JOE MC BEE
Grievance
I wish to formally object to the Government of Malta’s approved programme to reduce the feral pigeon population through trapping and killing.
This approach is inhumane, ethically unacceptable, and unnecessary, particularly when humane and non-lethal alternatives exist. A pigeon contraception programme was previously implemented and showed positive results in reducing pigeon numbers, yet it was discontinued due to funding and administrative reasons rather than ineffectiveness.
Killing pigeons treats a living urban wildlife population as disposable and does not address the root causes of overpopulation. It also risks repeated cycles of culling rather than providing a sustainable, long-term solution.
I therefore object to the use of lethal control measures and believe that public funds should instead be directed toward humane pigeon population management, including contraceptive feed programmes, public education, and responsible urban wildlife policies.
This approach is inhumane, ethically unacceptable, and unnecessary, particularly when humane and non-lethal alternatives exist. A pigeon contraception programme was previously implemented and showed positive results in reducing pigeon numbers, yet it was discontinued due to funding and administrative reasons rather than ineffectiveness.
Killing pigeons treats a living urban wildlife population as disposable and does not address the root causes of overpopulation. It also risks repeated cycles of culling rather than providing a sustainable, long-term solution.
I therefore object to the use of lethal control measures and believe that public funds should instead be directed toward humane pigeon population management, including contraceptive feed programmes, public education, and responsible urban wildlife policies.
Wherefore I/we respectfully request the House of Representatives to
suspend and discontinue any current or planned programme involving the trapping, culling, or killing of feral pigeons;
reinstate, fund, and expand humane pigeon population control measures, including contraceptive feed programmes, as a long-term and sustainable alternative;
ensure that future urban wildlife management policies prioritise non-lethal, ethical, and evidence-based methods; and
consult with animal welfare organisations, veterinary experts, and the public before approving or implementing any measures involving the killing of urban wildlife.
reinstate, fund, and expand humane pigeon population control measures, including contraceptive feed programmes, as a long-term and sustainable alternative;
ensure that future urban wildlife management policies prioritise non-lethal, ethical, and evidence-based methods; and
consult with animal welfare organisations, veterinary experts, and the public before approving or implementing any measures involving the killing of urban wildlife.
Closing remarks
I respectfully submit this petition in the interest of ethical governance, public accountability, and animal welfare. I trust that the House of Representatives will give due consideration to this matter and take action that reflects compassion, responsibility, and evidence-based policy in the management of urban wildlife in Malta.