View report page

83
FERAL PIGEONS
It would appear that the number of feral pigeons has been increasing since
the end of the last war and that more people are now complaining to the Health
Department of the nuisances caused by these flocks. The complaints are mainly
of the fouling of buildings and pavements with excreta, although there is always
the possibility of infestation of insects (mites and carpet beetles, etc.) from these
birds.
The Public Health Act 1961 gives the Council power to reduce the number of
pigeons, and during the year private contractors have been engaged in this work,
and 26 such individual treatments have been carried out.
The procedure of reducing the number of feral pigeons following complaint
satisfies the persons who have complained, that the Council has taken some
action, but it would appear from our observations that dealing with isolated flocks
is not the complete answer to this problem, as after the flock has been reduced in
numbers, the numbers are again built up by migration from adjacent flocks.
This matter is under consideration by the Department and some research is
being carried out by my staff as to possible ways of trapping pigeons throughout
the whole of the Borough instead of dealing with isolated flocks, to prevent the
build up of flocks by migration.
104 investigations were made by the Public Health Inspectors.
PET ANIMALS ACT 1951
Arrangements were made in June, 1965 for the veterninary staff of the
Corporation of London, to enforce the provision of this Act, as agents for the
London Borough of Lambeth.
The position was reviewed in September 1966, and whilst retaining the
veterinary officer, Corporation of London, in a consultative capacity, it was
agreed that the inspection of Pet Animals Establishments should now be carried
out by the Public Health Inspectors.
During the year 15 visits were made to the 17 pet animal establishments
lincensed in the Borough.
ANIMAL BOARDING ESTABLISHMENTS ACT 1963
Arrangements were made in June 1965 for the veterinary staff of the
Corporation of London, to enforce the provisions of this Act as agents for the
London Borough of Lambeth.