Contraceptive scheme proposed for Dublin Seagulls
Contraceptive scheme proposed for Dublin Seagulls
Words: Eva O’Beirne
Seagulls in Dublin could be given contraceptive drugs in a bid to make them less aggressive.
According to The Irish Sun, Dublin politicians have suggested the capital follows the example of officials in Belgium who recently introduced pellets aimed at reducing the number of pigeons in Brussels.
The City of Brussels used the R-12 pigeon pill: a corn pellet coated with a medicine that helps birds against parasites as well as with a contraceptive component.
The city partnered with the company Vets for Pigeons who assured concerned citizens there was no animal cruelty involved: “Nicarbazine is actually a product against intestinal parasites. But it has the side effect of making pigeons infertile because it prevents fruit from developing in the eggs.”
According to Vets for Pigeons, the pellets have no harmful effect on the environment, as they aren’t real hormonal products. A similar scheme also exists in Barcelona.
There are around 1800 seagull nests in Dublin with one seaside chipper reporting that the birds steal around 35 fish dinners a week.
The seaside town of Balbriggan was reportedly infested by seagulls in the summer, leading to some residents to move out for a few weeks. The birds attacked children and elderly people, polluted the beaches with droppings and prevented locals from sleeping due to noise.
Elsewhere on District: Two car lanes will be removed from College Green in 2023
