Griffith Residents Urged Not To Feed Wild Birds

Griffith City Council has asked residents to refrain from feeding wild birds.

Mayor Doug Curran said that while Council did not have the legal authority to prevent people from feeding birds on private property, it strongly advised residents against doing so.

“Feeding wild birds can disrupt their natural diet and lead to large concentrations of birds in one area,” Mayor Curran said.

“We have already noticed larger colonies of pigeons roosting in various locations around the city.

“This can cause tree and property damage, noise disturbances, and other nuisances for nearby residents.”

Mayor Curran said it was important to follow expert advice to protect the local poultry industry.

“Our economy relies heavily on poultry and it’s crucial to avoid any potential risks,” he said.

Feeding wild birds can result in several issues including:

Health Risks - human food, especially bread, is often low in nutrition and can make birds sick;

Disease Transmissions - feeding birds in one central location can increase the spread of diseases among them;

Overpopulation and Problematic Species - species like Ibis, Cockatoos, pigeons and Indian Mynas can become overabundant; and

Public Health Concerns - large gatherings of birds can lead to increased fowling in the area and attract vermin such as rats and cockroaches.

Property owners dealing with nesting or roosting pigeons are advised to seek help from licensed pest controllers.

• Topics:

• Nature
• Pets and Animals