The City of Dauphin has taken steps to address a perceived downtown pigeon problem.
At its regular meeting, June 8, council was informed administration, acting on an initiative approved as part of the 2026 financial plan, has entered into an agreement with Orkin Canada to oversee a pigeon population management program in the city.
Control efforts will begin with targeted trapping and removal activities, deputy city manager Lisa Gaudet told councillors, followed by the installation of rooftop feeding stations, which dispense OvoControl pellets, which contain birth control measures to address the growing population of the urban birds.
“The feeding stations will dispense OB control pellets designed to gradually reduce pigeon reproduction rates through a humane, non-lethal population management approach,” Gaudet said.
OvoControl has proven to be useful for managing pigeon flocks in larger areas without having to resort to poisons and their associated risks.
Pigeons represent a source of common infections, including, salmonella, and a range of e. coli, some of which can represent a serious health risk to people and animals, making it pivotal to manage pigeon population growth.