TfL shoots 655 pigeons at London stations in two years
Wildlife groups call for humane deterrents after culls at depots and stations across the capital
Trust 74Craft 87Hype 30How this was reported ▾
Includes named sources, official TfL statements, and figures sourced to Manchester Pigeon Rehab.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
Explains health risks, quotes both TfL and critics, and provides specific data, but lacks clear next steps.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
Headline is provocative but body remains factual, avoiding exaggerated claims.
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1 source assessed · methodology
Transport for London (TfL) shot 655 pigeons at its stations and depots over the past two years, using air rifles when other deterrents failed. The culls, carried out by contractor Mitie, took place between March 2024 and March 2026, as reported by the BBC following freedom of information requests.
TfL defended the practice, stating that pigeon waste carries bacteria and insects, while nesting material creates fire hazards and structural damage. A spokesperson said the organisation prioritises prevention and exhausts non-lethal methods before resorting to culls, which are only used as a last resort.
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Wildlife groups criticise culls as ineffective
Wildlife campaigners have condemned the culls as outdated and counterproductive. Michael Britton, founder of London Bird Rescue, told the BBC the approach was "an incredibly archaic, barbaric and unintelligent approach to wildlife management". He argued that shooting fails to reduce pigeon numbers long-term, particularly at open-air sites.
Britton pointed to alternatives used in Europe, such as anti-perch slopes and dovecotes, which he said are more effective. "Many companies and corporations have adopted a far more successful 'no-kill' approach," he said. "In countries with a more proactive stance, like France, Germany and Switzerland, dovecotes have proven a fantastic solution."
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I would strongly urge TfL to immediately revise their wildlife management strategy and adopt a non-lethal policy.
Michael Britton, founder of London Bird Rescue
Legal framework and TfL’s response
All wild birds in the UK are protected by law, making it illegal to kill or injure them without a licence. The government issues licences for controlling feral pigeons to prevent disease or protect public health and safety. TfL said its contractors use "humane bird dispatchers" to minimise suffering.
The culls typically occur in the early hours when stations are closed to passengers. TfL said it has increased preventative measures, such as installing deterrents, but acknowledged that these are not always effective. The organisation did not specify which stations or depots were involved in the culls.
What happens next
TfL has not announced a review of its pigeon control policy. Residents can submit feedback through TfL’s public consultations on station management, though no formal consultation on wildlife control is currently open. Wildlife groups continue to press for a shift to non-lethal methods.
Questions this report answers
+Why is TfL shooting pigeons at London stations?
TfL says pigeon waste risks bacteria, fire hazards and structural damage. It claims culls are a last resort after non-lethal deterrents fail. The organisation states it prioritises prevention but shoots birds when other methods prove ineffective.
+How many pigeons has TfL killed in the past two years?
TfL contractors shot 655 pigeons between March 2024 and March 2026. The data comes from Manchester Pigeon Rehab, which tracked more than 120 organised shootings at Tube depots and stations during that period.
+Are pigeon culls legal in the UK?
All wild birds are protected by UK law, but licences allow pest control of feral pigeons to prevent disease or protect public health. TfL says its contractors use humane methods and comply with legal requirements for culls.
+What alternatives to shooting pigeons do campaigners suggest?
Wildlife groups propose humane deterrents like anti-perch slopes and dovecotes, which are used in countries such as France and Germany. They argue these methods are more effective long-term and avoid killing birds.
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