Limburg's pigeons saved from death: approval refuses!
Limburg's pigeons saved from death: approval refuses!
In Limburg, a project that was decided in the city council in November 2023 ensured violent discussions: the killing of 200 city pigeons was to reduce the population of birds, which are often referred to as “rats of the air”. However, the Lower Nature Conservation Authority of the Limburg-Weilburg district has now finally refused approval for this measure. As hessenschau.de not, the city did not succeed in fulfilling the necessary prerequisites for an exceptional permit in accordance with the Federal ARGENCHORE.
A citizens' decision in June 2024 was in favor of the killing measure, but the city of Limburg is now forced to let the pigeons live. The district found that the pigeons fall under the protection of the Federal ARGACTION PROTECTIONALL and may only be taken in the event of "considerable community damage" measures. Such a risk was not sufficiently proven by the city.
unclear legal situation
It was originally planned to start capturing and killing the pigeons on April 22, 2025. A service provider for the implementation was already selected. However, through the authority's decision to classify the pigeons as wild animals again, the contract was canceled. The Hessian Ministry of Environment and Agriculture had also lifted a decree of 2022, which did not put city pigeons under the protection of the wild animals in the populated area. The city criticized this decision as surprising and unfounded, but held on to its project and requested the competent authority to be approved for capturing and killing the pigeons - without success.The debate about the city pigeons is not new. Many animal rights activists: on the inside had vehemently spoke out against the planned killing method, which aimed at a broken neck. Critics argue that the situation of the pigeons cannot be equated with pests. The legal status of city pigeons is also complex: According to a statement by the Federal Institute for Health Consumer Protection and Veterinary Medicine, the classification of city pigeons is only considered a pests if there is no concrete danger, which is obviously not the case in Limburg.
public support and resistance
Although the citizens' decision supported a majority for the killing measure, the public discussion about dealing with the city pigeons remains tense. Again and again the question becomes loud how the pigeon population and potential health risks should be dealt with. Especially in areas where the birds could affect food or hygienically sensitive places, strict regulations are required.
The decision in Limburg is also highly accusing the challenges of mastering cities when handling wildlife populations. The problem is also discussed in other federal states, where overgrown house pigeons are partially classified as healthcare. In Limburg, the fate of the city pigeons remains open for the time being - they can continue to live while the city has to look for alternatives.
The questions about animal welfare -friendly handling and alternative measures to reduce pigeon population will certainly continue to shape the discussions. A sustainable approach is required that has an eye on both animal welfare and public health and security.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Ort | Limburg an der Lahn, Deutschland |
| Quellen | |
Kommentare (0)