Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

Feeding pigeons could soon be illegal in Las Vegas


KSNVThumbnail{p}{/p}
KSNVThumbnail

Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

Many different kinds of activities fly here in Las Vegas, but soon, one might not: feeding the pigeons.

It’s currently banned in Henderson and in Clark County, and come a week from Wednesday, Oct. 10, it could become that way in the City of Las Vegas.

Ward One Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian says the ordinance was drafted for health reasons, stemming from numerous complaints.

Tarkanian said, “The ordinance was developed because of complaints we had from city residents about the dirtying of the environment by the pigeons,.Their droppings contain germs which carry diseases and can be very toxic. We are doing this for health purposes.”

While to some it might not seem like a big deal, pest control professional Kevin Rast says it’s not something to joke around about.

“Pigeons aren’t the problem. It’s their waste. The waste itself is actually toxic. It is considered a hazardous substance," says Rast.

Rast confirmed Tarkanian’s assertion that pigeon waste can carry serious diseases, and that if the wrong person is exposed to high quantities of it, there could be deadly consequences.

Often times, the waste is sucked into air conditioning units and is pumped into buildings, according to Rast.

If a person who suffers from Asthma or another breathing ailment, Rast says, then this poses a serious problem.

“To see 200 or 300 birds on a roof of a building is not unusual at all,” he says.

When people feed the pigeons, Rast says it’s not good for the people.

More pigeons will show up to the area, hoping there will be a new food source. They’ll reproduce, and create even more waste.

When that unnatural food source disappears, it poses a problem for the pigeons.

“There won’t be a food supply there. Then you’re going to cause all kinds of problems for the population itself,” Rast says.

The proposed ordinance defines wild pigeons as “any common pigeon of the species columba livia, also known as a city pigeon, rock dove, rock pigeon or flying rat.”

If the ordinance passes and becomes law, convicted violators could face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months imprisonment.

Rast says that it’s best to let the pigeons find their food naturally, so people don’t add more waste to the problem.

“Pigeons are going to find food no matter where they are at,” he said.

The City Council may be voting on this matter on Wednesday, October 17th.

Loading ...