Transport for London (TfL) is facing accusations of unnecessary suffering and improper practices in a mass cull of over 650 pigeons at its stations. Manchester Pigeon Rehab (MPR), which collated data on the operation, claims that between March 2024 and March 2026, at least 123 pigeon shoots resulted in the deaths of 655 birds. The group also alleges that seven chicks were killed or removed and 17 active nests were destroyed.
Disturbing images have emerged purportedly showing workers in high-visibility clothing using air rifles in underground stations, with one image depicting a worker standing on an injured pigeon at Stanmore station. MPR further alleges that baby chicks and fledglings were orphaned or had their necks broken using devices described as 'humane bird dispatchers.' The cull reportedly occurred during breeding seasons, despite advice from Natural England to avoid lethal control during these periods. In instances where birds became trapped, they were allegedly shot rather than freed.
Campaigners have filed a crime report with the British Transport Police, claiming the pigeons endured unnecessary suffering. MPR has accused TfL of not adequately exploring non-lethal alternatives for managing the pigeon population. The killings, according to MPR, typically took place between midnight and 5 a.m. Some incidents involved multiple shots for a single bird, with one report from Arnos Grove detailing 20 shots fired for only 16 pigeons killed, as some birds did not die instantly and fled with serious injuries.
TfL stated that its approach is focused on prevention and that animal cruelty is taken very seriously. The organization claims to invest in preventative measures and exhaust non-lethal methods, having increased mitigations at stations and depots. However, TfL acknowledged that in a small number of cases, preventative measures are not always successful, creating unsafe environments. In such situations, TfL works with suppliers to ensure pigeon removal is conducted with consideration and as a last resort after other deterrents have failed. The transport authority cited a duty of care to customers and staff, noting that pigeon waste poses risks from bacteria and insects, while nesting and waste can create fire hazards and structural damage.
The pest control services were contracted to AGS One by TfL and operated under a GL41 licence, which requires reasonable measures to reduce suffering. Until the end of the previous year, this licence mandated that non-lethal alternatives be investigated first. MPR has urged TfL to end lethal control in favor of methods such as habitat modification, humane deterrents, and accepting the presence of wildlife in urban spaces, highlighting pigeons' intelligence and social nature.
Pigeons, with origins tracing back to domesticated birds used for communication for millennia, even served as vital messenger birds during World War I, with some recognized for their bravery. MPR believes that TfL should prioritize non-lethal management strategies.
