THERE needs to be a coordinated approach to deter the flocking of pigeons in large numbers.
Ipoh City Watch president Dr Richard Ng said Ipoh City Council (MBI) should enforce by-laws that prohibit feeding of the birds in public spaces.
“Fines should be imposed on those caught feeding the birds, with heavier penalties for repeat offenders.
“The city council should look into redesigning public structures to be less pigeon-friendly, including installing anti-roosting spikes, nets or sloped surfaces on building ledges, statues, roofs and signage,” he said when contacted by StarMetro.
“Reflective surfaces or ultrasonic deterrents can also be used to drive away pigeons and reduce nesting spots,” he said, commenting on the death of a number of pigeons at Ipoh Padang on May 4.
The Perak Veterinary Services Department had taken samples from the carcasses to be analysed, to determine whether the deaths were caused by disease or poisoning.
StarMetro had highlighted the issue in its report, “Fowl mess at Ipoh Padang” on March 21.
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Ng said market and eatery operators as well as residents should also be mindful about waste management.
“Rubbish bins should always be properly covered and food scraps must be cleaned up quickly.
“This will deter pigeons and other animals from feasting on the leftovers,” he said, adding that pigeon droppings carry myriad diseases and are also acidic, which can damage structures and vehicles.
Ng said that apart from Ipoh Padang, there were several other areas where pigeons flocked to, including the junction of Jalan Leong Sin Nam and Jalan Raja Ikram and at Jalan Bijeh Timah in Ipoh Old Town.
Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) president Ricky Soong said the issue of pigeons should be handled humanely.
He said MBI and the relevant authorities needed to seek professional advice on how humans could co-exist with the birds.
“Ipoh Padang is a tourist spot, where the birds are seen as an attraction and are popular with photographers.
“I visited Guangzhou (China) recently and came across a park where a roost was built for pigeons.
“The place is quite clean and well-managed, so perhaps something similar can be done here,” said Soong.
