Submarine pigeon traps criticised

Kyt · 06-03-2008, 06:45 PM

OK, I could understand the concern if they were killing the flying-rats but these are being released

BBC NEWS | England | Hampshire | Submarine pigeon traps criticised

Quote:

A Hampshire museum has been accused of animal cruelty after setting up nets to trap a flock of 100 pigeons living inside one of its prize exhibits.

The birds are in HMS Alliance, a submarine from World War II which has been at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport for 25 years.

The museum has set up nets to trap the birds before releasing them.

But the approach has angered some bird lovers who say the trapped pigeons are showing signs of distress.

The museum is planning a £4m project to conserve and repair the submarine, but that is being hampered by growing layers of corrosive pigeon droppings.

Last year, it attempted to solve the problem by shooting the pigeons, but that was unsuccessful.

A pest control company has now been brought in to put up nets over the bow and the stern, places where years of corrosion have left gaping holes.

Traps with food and water have also been set up to catch those birds inside the submarine.

Once their entrance holes have been blocked, the birds will be shooed out of the hull.

Emma Haskell, from Pigeon Control Advisory Service, said in the meantime the birds were suffering.

"It's very distressing, she said.

"The birds are throwing themselves at the net and doing everything they can to get out."

Bob Mealings, curator at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, said: "We are following the recommendations of the RSPCA and we are working with a licensed contractor who is working within guidelines laid down by the law."

The removal is expected to take several weeks and the trapped pigeons are being given food and water.

HMS Alliance (P417 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
HMS Alliance - virtual tour

Kitty · 06-03-2008, 07:08 PM

Excuse me? Shoot the bloody things! Or better still bring in a peregrine.

Antipodean Andy · 06-03-2008, 10:27 PM

They're following the advice of the RSPCA and still getting in trouble. Sigh.

Yes, peregrine. They'd be breeding about now, wouldn't they Kitty?

spidge · 06-03-2008, 11:25 PM

A couple of litters of cats should do it!

The wouldn't be an "Alliance" of the two however the cats would get rid of the rats as well.

Kitty · 07-03-2008, 05:47 PM

I think the Peregrines have started arriving back and choosing nesting sites Andy. Remind me in a month or so and I'll link you to some nest cameras
Am terribly confused right now as all the spring flowers are out now, over a month early, and I am seeing animals and insects out of hibernation that shouldn't be.

David Layne · 07-03-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitty

Excuse me? Shoot the bloody things! Or better still bring in a peregrine.

During the war many airfields used falcons to discourage flocks of birds.

From my own experience I can assure you that flying into a flock of birds is disconcerting, to say the least.

Antipodean Andy · 08-03-2008, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitty

I think the Peregrines have started arriving back and choosing nesting sites Andy. Remind me in a month or so and I'll link you to some nest cameras
Am terribly confused right now as all the spring flowers are out now, over a month early, and I am seeing animals and insects out of hibernation that shouldn't be.

It's okay, thanks Kitty, I know a few already.

Kitty · 08-03-2008, 07:12 PM

fair enough, Just hit the RSPB site.