Glasgow residents plead with public to stop feeding pigeons

Concerns have been raised that pigeon droppings are both causing a mess in the area and pose a health risk to locals. 

The issue was raised at a Blythswood and Broomielaw Community Council meeting on Tuesday evening with residents asking for additional signage to be installed in areas where the problem is most prevalent. 

Local SNP councillor Eva Bolander said: “The issue was raised a few years ago initially with George Square.

“There seems to be areas where the problem is worse than others, but it seems to be an ongoing issue in the heart of the city centre. 

“There were signs put up but unfortunately they do not seem to be having a great effect.”

The Glasgow Times understands that posts are installed at George Square, Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street.

Image by Carl Taylor

Residents are hoping that new notice boards can be implemented in the same areas but in different languages to translate the message across to a host of cultures in Glasgow. 

Bolander added: “We know that feeding the pigeons is a nice gesture but unfortunately there are wider health implications attached to the animals.  

“In particular, there have been a lot of concerns about the birds carrying avian flu which has been circulating in the UK.

“Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, there also haven’t been enforcement officers patrolling the streets to help prevent people from feeding the birds, so the issue has got worse.”

Pigeons can carry a number of diseases including E. coli, salmonella, cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis. 

Image by Charles McGuigan

Unlike most other birds, pigeons nest in their own faeces – which attracts mites and increases the transmittance of other diseases. 

According to the NHS, diseases can be spread to humans by touching infected birds, touching droppings and preparing infected poultry for cooking. 

Lesley Mulholland, chairwoman of Garnethill Community Council, added: “The mess left by the pigeons poses significant health hazards in terms of disease and as a slipping hazard.   

“We have been successful in getting Glasgow City Council to display posters at the worst affected areas in Sauchiehall Street and the park, which state that anyone feeding pigeons is liable to a fixed penalty fine.

“Unfortunately, we have noted little improvement.”

In the meantime, Glasgow City Council officers have been engaging with the public not to feed the pigeons – including handing out multi-lingual leaflets.

The authority has warned that those who drop feed onto the ground could face a fine for littering. 

A spokesman said: “We have received many complaints about mess left in the city centre by pigeons and want to deter their presence as far as possible.

“By discouraging residents and visitors from feeding the birds, we hope to minimise the amount of dropping left on footways, bins and seats.

“Signs have been put up that ask people not to feed the birds and similar multi-lingual leaflets have also been produced.

“Our community enforcement officers are also engaging with individuals they find feeding the birds and requesting that they stop.

“Anyone who scatters feed for birds can be fined for dropping litter.”

To prevent contracting diseases from pigeons, the NHS has urged members of the public to continue washing their hands before and after handling food and to avoid any contact with live birds and poultry.