Transport for London (TfL) is facing accusations of a "mass cull" after workers contracted by the organization reportedly killed more than 650 pigeons between March 2024 and March 2026. Manchester Pigeon Rehab (MPR), a group that collated data on the operations, claims at least 123 pigeon shoots took place at London stations. The group alleges that at least 655 birds were shot, seven chicks were killed or removed, and 17 active nests were also taken.
MPR has filed a crime report to the British Transport Police, asserting that the pigeons experienced unnecessary suffering. The group claims that lethal control was prioritized over exploring non-lethal alternatives. Disturbing images have emerged showing staff in high-visibility clothing using air rifles in underground stations, and one image depicts a worker with their boot on an injured pigeon at Stanmore station. MPR also alleges that baby chicks and fledglings were orphaned or had their necks broken using what they describe as "humane bird dispatchers."
According to MPR, pigeon culls were conducted during breeding seasons, contrary to advice from Natural England to avoid lethal control at such times. The group also stated that when birds became trapped in netting, they were often shot rather than freed. In some instances, birds did not die instantly after being shot and fled with severe injuries. A report from Arnos Grove detailed 20 shots resulting in only 16 pigeon deaths, with TfL attributing this to multiple shots being required for a single bird that did not result in an instant kill.
TfL, however, stated that its approach is focused on prevention and that animal cruelty is taken seriously. A spokesperson for TfL said the organization continues to invest in preventative measures as its primary approach, exhausting all appropriate non-lethal methods and increasing mitigations at stations and depots. "Unfortunately, in a small number of cases, preventative measures are not always successful or effective, creating an unsafe environment," the spokesperson added. "When this is the case, we work with our suppliers to ensure that the removal of pigeons, or their nests, is undertaken with consideration and only ever as a last resort when other deterrents have failed."
TfL also cited a duty of care to customers, staff, and contractors to maintain a safe and clean environment, noting that pigeon waste can carry risks of bacteria and insects, and nesting material can create fire hazards and structural damage. The pest control services were contracted to AGS One by TfL and operated under a GL41 license, which requires taking reasonable measures to reduce suffering. Until the end of last year, this license also mandated the exploration of non-lethal alternatives.
MPR has called for TfL to immediately end lethal control and adopt methods such as habitat modification, humane deterrents, and other non-lethal management measures. "In some circumstances this may also mean accepting that wildlife will continue to exist in shared urban spaces," an MPR spokesman stated. The group highlighted that modern feral pigeons are descended from domesticated birds historically used for communication and even in wartime, describing them as intelligent and social animals capable of forming long-term bonds and solving complex problems.