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contraceptives may soon replace poisons in the sphere of pest
control. Chemosterilants are now being developed and when the
problems of acceptibility as baits have been overcome, they will
surely become the treatment of the future. So far, trials have
proved effective in respect of rats and pigeons.
Pigeon Nuisance
A local authority is enabled by Section 74 of the Public Health
Act, 1961, to deal with nuisance arising from the congregation of
pigeons believed to be ownerless.
During the year, 53 complaints were received and, where
justified and practical, arrangements were made to reduce the
pigeons to a reasonable number by members of the Rodent Control
Staff.
In one instance this Department's staff co-operated with a prospective
owner of a disused flat over a shop in the Blackheath area
by destroying over 100 pigeons which were roosting on the premises.
The total number of pigeons caught and destroyed during the
year was 2,257.
Control of Foxes
Services previously undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food with respect to the control of foxes in the
Borough were withdrawn and, in June 1970, the Council appointed
a part-time fox control specialist to deal with the
problem.
During 1971, 34 complaints were received and, where foxes
were located, the specialist was notified in order that he could
take the required action. He visited sites in the Eltham, New
Eltham and Shooters Hill areas and destroyed 14 foxes.
There is mounting evidence that foxes in urban areas are on
the increase and this would appear to be the case in South East
London.
Fouling of Pavements, etc., by Dogs
During the year 45 complaints were received of dogs fouling
footpaths and, in an attempt to ameliorate the problem, 92
notices were fixed to lamp-posts in the areas concerned setting
out briefly the provisions of the Council's byelaw with respect to
the offence and penalty.