Pigeons on cities kill list

Cities are divided over how to deal with pigeon populations - and the methods are raising concern.

In Zurich, around 1,000 pigeons are culled each year to limit damage and health risks, a practice that recently sparked outrage after images surfaced online.

But cities like Geneva and Lausanne are taking a different approach, banning feeding to naturally control numbers.

Animal groups say neither strategy goes far enough, calling instead for managed dovecotes as a more humane, long-term solution.

But individuals are being warned it is illegal to remove a pigeon nest from your garden or balcony. Nesting birds are protected under federal laws - even pigeons. 

More from Bitesize News

  • Emergency heatwave plans active

    Geneva and Vaud are activating their heatwave plans from today as temperatures could climb to 37 over the next couple of days.

  • Parliament backs VAT hike for pension payments

    The lower house of parliament, the National Council, has rejected the mixed-financing plan and voted only to raise VAT to fund the 13th old-age pension.

  • Parliament rejects trade agreement

    In a surprise reversal, the parliament has rejected a major free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc of South American nations.

  • Sperm donation laws hit setback

    A proposal to make it easier for same-sex couples and other intended parents to adopt children born through sperm donation has hit a setback in Parliament.

  • AI hits travel agent

    The online travel agent Lastminute.com is cutting a quarter of its workforce — around 400 jobs — by the end of 2026 to restructure around artificial intelligence.

  • Migros upsets locals with wrong number

    Migros has sparked an outcry after using the French number form "soixante-dix" instead of the local "septante" in a recent YouTube advert.

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play