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Pest bird control
National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare (NCCAW) Position Statement
NCCAW recognises that there are some species or groups of birds that may cause agricultural damage and other problems.
NCCAW considers that the use of chemicals or other lethal methods to control pest birds should only be carried out after all other alternative methods of bird control have been considered.
In situations where chemical or lethal control is necessary, the most humane pesticide or method must be used with adequate safeguards to avoid harm to non-target birds and animals. In all situations it is necessary to ensure that the legality of control of protected birds under relevant state and territory laws are observed.
Problems associated with some bird species include:
- Pigeons: They cause fouling (droppings) damage in urban areas. They are a health hazard in rural areas because they consume food in silos and also cause health concerns through their litter. Vermin are attracted to their eggs.
- Starlings: In urban and rural areas they cause fouling of buildings and increase the risk of fire through damage to electrical wiring. They bring food into roofs.
- Sparrows: There is competition in the natural environment with other species and they are carriers of exotic diseases.
- Seagulls: They are a hazard to aeroplanes, boats and other vessels in part by fouling and causing a health risk. They also cause environmental damage by spreading rubbish. They can cause occupational health and safety concerns in workplaces.
- Corellas, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos and Galahs: They can cause damage to crops, trees as well as orchards and vineyards. They are also a danger to aircraft. They cause physical damage to housing, outbuildings and electrical wiring, where they can create a fire hazard.
- Other species may cause problems in local areas.
Proposed Principles for Pest Bird Control
Any control plans should focus on
- impact reduction rather than the removal of a large part of the population, and
- minimising the suffering to target birds and the number of birds affected over time.
Where it is possible the habitat should be altered to achieve long term solutions, before other control measures are taken. The source of food and water supply are important considerations.
Non lethal and/or non invasive methods should be used wherever possible and where effective, provided they are humane.
An understanding of population dynamics is necessary to ensure the method of control used is effective and addresses the problem in the long term.
Building design and alterations should take into account physical deterrence.
Control measures should be species-specific and minimise secondary toxicity and environmental contamination.
Integrated strategic control techniques (to reduce impact), along with regional rather than local control, should be used where appropriate to maximise effectiveness. Several techniques may be used together for maximum effectiveness.
Trapping and netting causes fear and stress in birds and needs to be managed carefully. Killing must be humane and conducted with minimal delay.
Trapping for the pet or export trade is not acceptable on animal welfare grounds.
Trapping for relocation should only be used where there is a high probability that it will rectify the problem and can be conducted with minimal risk to the birds' welfare.
Any techniques should only be used by skilled persons in the most humane and effective manner.
This Position Statement was first published in October 1997 and was reviewed by NCCAW on 20 February 2008. NCCAW made the decision to retain it without amendment.