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104
year, although the number of animals killed at 302 is a decrease
of 44.
The work of the Fox Control Officer has attracted much
publicity, both in the national media and locally. The task of
deciding where control has to be exercised requires considerable
judgement and the comparative figures given above speak for
themselves.
PIGEON DESTRUCTION
The feral pigeon is another creature which has substantially
increased in past years. Like the fox it appears to be preferring
an urban habitat and its numbers have become so excessive as to
need control. The bird is a prolific breeder, nesting amongst other
places under railway bridges, where its droppings give rise to
nuisance, and in roof spaces, where considerable damage and
fouling is caused.
Trapping and shooting of the pigeons in public places is a
particularly difficult operation, but one which has to be performed
if the environment is not to be spoiled.
As part of the system of control, periodic visits are made to
known roosting sites, although, where possible, owners are asked
to carry out proofing works to prevent ingress by the birds.
In 1971 3,836 pigeons were accounted for, compared with
4,149 in the previous year.
OFFICES, SHOPS & RAILWAY PREMISES ACT 1963
The following tables give details of the premises registered
under this Act, the visits and inspections made, contraventions
found, and accidents reported and investigated.
None of the 65 accidents reported were of a serious nature,
nor were they due to any negligence on the part of employers.
Two-thirds of this number, in fairly even proportions, were due
to the falls of persons, usually on the same level or on a fixed
staircase, and also to the handling of goods. Advice was given in
those cases where it was thought that certain measures could be
applied to assist in preventing a recurrence.
The Regulations controlling the safety of hoists and lifts in
premises covered by the Act have now been in force for two
years. Under the system of examination by "approved persons,"
usually insurance engineers, and reporting to Local Authorities,
much of the more antiquated equipment has been replaced and
considerable improvements achieved in suspension ropes, gates,
guards and interlock mechanisms. No accidents involving hoists
and lifts were reported.