http://animalradio.com:80/September2007.html
Laura Dodson,
Argyle Civic Association
Research shows that
pigeon flocks cannot be eliminated through methods such as
trapping, poisoning or other conventional means. The flock will
grow back to the same size or larger as their numbers are removed.
The birds mate for life in the same home and live for up to 15
years.
After months of
research, investigation and meetings with City of Los Angeles
officials, the Argyle Civic Association contacted PETA (People for
the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for assistance with the pigeon
problem. PETA, the world's largest and most important animal rights
group, strongly advises against the feeding of pigeons and other
wild animals.
PETA provided the
resources on using advanced new methods of reducing the size of the
flock. One method in particular looked promising:
OvoControl™
OvoControl™ is a
birth control method for birds and was registered with the United
States EPA in May of 2007. The technology has been developed by
Innolytics LLC, a hatch-control company based in Rancho Santa Fe,
California. OvoContol™ is administered to the birds via a special
"treat" which is distributed to the pigeons from rooftop
dispensers. The active ingredient, nicarbazin, interferes with the
development of the vitaline layer separating the egg white and
yolk. This membrane is vital to the viability of the egg and
without it the egg cannot develop or hatch. Originally developed to
control populations of resident Canada geese, the method has also
been successfully tested on feral pigeons under the guidance of the
USDA Experiment Station in Gainesville, FL.
http://argylecivic.org
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