London Pigeon Rescue Battles 'String Foot' Epidemic Fueled by Human Hair

A dedicated couple in London is undertaking a critical mission to combat an epidemic of 'string foot' among the city's pigeons. Jacob Peter and Jennie Brennan, co-founders of London Pigeon Rescue (LPR), are surgically removing human hair that wraps around the birds' legs, causing excruciating pain, infection, and in severe cases, gangrene and loss of toes.

The condition, known as string foot, affects tens of thousands of pigeons in Britain. Pigeons, being ground feeders who walk in circles, are particularly vulnerable to fibers that accumulate on streets. These fibers, predominantly human hair shed from people walking, combined with debris from hairdressers and barbers, tighten around the birds' toes and feet. As the birds move, the hair acts like a tourniquet, constricting circulation, cutting into the skin, and leading to deformation and potential amputation.

Peter and Brennan operate a makeshift clinic on park benches, using antiseptic creams, sterile swabs, tweezers, and nail scissors to free the injured birds. They meticulously explain their procedures to the pigeons, believing it may offer some comfort.

"I always introduce myself before I start and explain what I’m doing because I think it might be calming for them," Peter said. "It’s OK, darling. This won’t take long. You’re so brave. You’re doing so well. I’m going to help you. It will stop the pain."

Brennan described the severe cases, where birds are left with stumps for feet due to the gangrenous conditions. "Sometimes, it’s the whole foot. Both feet! And then they’re staggering around on stumps."

The prevalence of string foot is largely unknown to the public, and many harbor negative sentiments towards pigeons, viewing them as "flying vermin" or "flying rats." Brennan attributes this animosity to misconceptions and pest control propaganda, asserting that pigeons are not disease super-spreaders and are less likely to transmit illnesses than humans on public transport.

Their journey began in 2022 when Peter, working for a bird rescue charity, met Brennan, who had found a distressed pigeon. Discovering a shared passion, they began volunteering together, learning to identify and treat affected birds. They eventually fell in love and established LPR a year later.

To date, LPR estimates it has rescued over 10,000 pigeons. The organization relies on public distress calls, education, and fundraising for medical supplies and equipment. "We'd pay for it all if we could but we are not rich," Brennan stated.

Brennan emphasizes the sentience of pigeons, describing them as monogamous beings capable of feeling pain and fear. She recounted an instance where a pigeon appeared to grieve for its deceased mate, and another where a bird, after being treated, perched on her shoulder and later fed from her hand, suggesting a recognition of safety.

Pigeons have a long history of intelligence and utility, notably their homing abilities and crucial role in delivering messages during World War II, with many being awarded the Dickin Medal for bravery. The feral pigeon population in Britain is descended from domesticated birds.

Despite their efforts, Brennan and Peter face hostility from some members of the public. Brennan recounted an incident where someone attempted to set her bag on fire and physically abused her. "Someone tried to set fire to my bag and physically abused me, so I called the police," she said.

Adding to their challenges, pigeons are sometimes culled in areas like London stations, where they are attracted by heat and food. Peter expressed the emotional toll this takes: "I’ll spend two hours sitting on the ground de-stringing a pigeon and the next week they’ll come in and shoot them all. How do you think that feels?"

LPR urges the public to be more considerate by tidying up stray hairs and disposing of them properly. They hope that greater awareness will reduce the incidence of string foot, alleviating the suffering of these birds.

After a successful treatment, a pigeon named Jane was released, preening her newly freed feet and eventually rejoining her flock. The emotional impact of such rescues is significant for the volunteers.