As a volunteer at ACRES (the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society), I learned firsthand about the plight of our local pigeons. I was ignorant about pigeon culling in our residential areas. I thought this no longer existed, but in fact, it is still rampant across Singapore.
I had no clue how bad the situation is until I noticed the number of pigeons being rescued and treated at the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Center.
Efforts to Save Them
ACRES once had to rescue and treat up to 50 pigeons in one go. If the pigeons are rescued early, the survival rate is high (and it can be as high as ninety percent). Hence, it is a priority for ACRES to get to them as soon as possible.
Back in 2019, ACRES shared a video on the realities of pigeon poisoning. [WARNING: VIDEO MAY CAUSE DISTRESS] and shows how pigeons are poisoned after which live birds are thrown into a trash bag by contractors (engaged by the town council).
Oftentimes, after treatment, the pigeons can be released as soon as a few hours after they arrive at the rescue center. Some stay for days while others lose their battle.
Poisoning the Pigeons is Not A Solution
Some town councils are known to hire contractors. Pigeon culling happens as a response to complaints from residents as they find the birds annoying and their droppings across the neighborhood unsightly.
In my view, it's animal cruelty! Aren't there other ways of controlling the pigeon population? The answer is Yes.
More Food, More Pigeons
It is a simple act and together, we can make a difference! We need to spread the word and get people to understand that feeding the pigeons does more harm than good.
Feeding encourages pigeons to congregate in clusters. This leads to population growth and more droppings across the area, angering residents. When the complaints start, the culling ensues.
Feed and Get Fined
If you're unaware, Singapore has an Animals and Birds (Pigeons) Rule and it states 'No person shall feed stray pigeons in any premises or public place' and 'any person who fails to comply shall be guilty of an offense and shall be liable on a conviction to a fine not exceeding $500'.
Saving the Pigeons - You Too Can Play A Part in their Survival
We have a part to play and here are 5 Simple Steps (download and save image):
Spot & Report the Upcoming Schedule of Pigeon Culling in Your Neighborhood
Handle Pigeon with care and place it in a well-ventilated box
Call ACRES Wildlife Rescue (Hotline 9783 7782)
Spot and Report to ACRES
We can't stop Town Councils from culling the pigeons, but we can impact their survival.
Before the town councils proceed with the pigeon culling, they will place notices within the vicinity informing residents when the culling will occur.
When you see these notices, take down the details and inform ACRES via their Hotline at 9783 7782.
This would allow the ACRES wildlife rescue team to be on standby. Do Remember that ACRES only has ONE Wildlife Rescue Team comprising two people to serve entire Singapore.
How to Identify a Poisoned Pigeon
There are varying degrees of distress in the bird, some convulsing and shaking, others floppy-bodied and droopy-eyed.
Handle with Care
Find a box and ensure it is well-ventilated. Place the sick pigeon in box. This will keep it safe.
Seek Advice & Next Steps
Call the ACRES Hotline (9783 7782) and seek advice. Typically, they would request for a photo and/or video to share via Whats App. Upon determining the severity, they advise next steps.
Increase the Survival Rate
The sooner you can get the poisoned pigeon to the ACRES wildlife rescue team and the resident veterinarian, the higher its survival rate.
Call the ACRES Hotline (9783 7782) immediately. Get their advice on next steps which could include:
ACRES Wildlife Rescue Team collecting the sick pigeon from you
Dropping off the pigeon at the ACRES Wildlife Center, 91 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698917
Calling a Taxi or Grab to send it straight to ACRES Wildlife Center on your behalf if you can't send it there yourself. Seek ACRES' advice first and do ensure you inform the driver of the live animal.
We all can do our part to make a difference. A small gesture can go a long way.
A Bird's Life is Still A Life!
Download the ACRES PDF
