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Pigeon plague in Gersthof: feeding ladies in a dispute with residents!
Währing is struggling with pigeon problems in Gersthof. Residents complain about feeding as authorities look for solutions.
Pigeon plague in Gersthof: feeding ladies in a dispute with residents!
Things are simmering in Währing, especially in Gersthof. A growing pigeon problem has been plaguing district residents for several years. Residents have been complaining for two years now about the colonization of pigeons and the accompanying effects, such as the birds' massive deposits on streets and buildings. The MA 49 wildlife service registered this problem as early as 2023 and noted an increased presence of the feathered pests.
Now a woman has been identified who regularly feeds the pigeons and could therefore worsen the situation. According to a report from meinbezirk.at, the district administration identified this lady and a small group of people feeding at certain “feeding places”. Interestingly, the woman refers to the citizens' initiative “Working Group Pigeons Vienna”, but is not a member of this group. The working group emphasized that the woman meant no harm and even helped injured pigeons.
Dialogue and resistance
The district administration has already tried to talk to the lady in order to raise awareness of the inconvenience among residents. However, according to reports, the woman reacts aggressively to the criticism and requests to stop feeding. There is a legal dilemma here: According to the Vienna Cleanliness Act, feeding is only punishable if the food is left behind.
MA 49 has urgently pointed out that passers-by should also refrain from feeding pigeons. A proposed solution that is being discussed by the district council is the construction of a dovecote. A corresponding proposal for implementation was unanimously approved in December 2024, and discussions about a suitable facility and its financing are in full swing.
Population control as a solution?
According to the city pigeon collective, there are various measures to control the pigeon population. A proven method is manned pigeon lofts, which not only reduce breeding pressure but can also reduce pollution on surrounding buildings. The pigeons breed in these lofts while their eggs are replaced with dummies. This ensures a real reduction in their numbers in urban areas.
There is also the option of sterilization using minimally invasive procedures, which, however, are associated with certain risks. Long-term solutions and animal welfare-friendly treatment are the focus in order to sustainably overcome the challenges. Although some methods such as Ovistop have been tested in several cities in the past, studies have shown that they have failed to produce a significant reduction in the pigeon population.
The residents in Währing must therefore continue to find solutions to their pigeon problem. At one end of the spectrum is the feeder, who behaves as she sees fit. At the other end, however, there are already initial approaches to implementing effective and animal welfare-friendly strategies to get the pigeon population under control and to ensure a pleasant living environment again.