Letter: In Brief

Sir: Jim Brunton says pigeons in urban areas should be poisoned and claims they are a health hazard (letter, 30 August). Many local authorities control pigeon numbers but this is to protect buildings from mess, not because of any significant health risk. Many people love to see pigeons in city centres. Even if we wish to control population, there are other methods such as a feeding ban or contraceptive bait. To keep them off buildings, there is special paint that deters them from landing.

RICHARD MOUNTFORD

Animal Aid, Tonbridge, Kent