Implemented by the Commission on the 9th of July.
In the heart of Germany, the city of Mönchengladbach has taken a significant step towards managing its urban pigeon population. On July 9th, a faction application from Die Partei, Die Linke, SPD, and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen was approved, paving the way for the implementation of a municipal pigeon management system.
Gisela Heynert, a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, has been spearheading this initiative for over a year. She has received professional support from organisations such as the German Animal Welfare Federation, the Federal Association of People for Animal Rights, the Erna-Graff Foundation, and an employee of the Berlin State Animal Welfare Officer.
The city administration will collaborate with volunteers in developing this system. Volunteer helpers for feeding, cleaning, and other tasks can apply via email to [email protected]. The administration is currently considering various implementation options.
Heynert has proposed a "tier-schutzkonformes Stadttaubenmanagement" (an animal-friendly pigeon management system). She suggests installing pigeon lofts, such as in the upper floors of properties like the Karstadt building, as a cost-effective solution. Pigeon accommodations in these locations could help reduce the pigeon count in high-traffic areas like Rheydter Markt, Harmonieplatz, and Bahnhofstraße, where the current count stands at 346. The total number of pigeons in these areas is approximately 1,500, with a higher count of 1,147 in the Minto and Haus Westland areas.
Heynert is also advocating for a resettlement of pigeons according to the Augsburg model as a long-term solution. This approach aims to ensure the welfare of the city pigeons while maintaining cleanliness and reducing costs for both private individuals and authorities. The implementation of this system is seen as a "win-win situation" by Heynert, as it addresses the concerns of both the city and the pigeons.
It's important to note that while specific details about the timeline, funding, and volunteer requirements for this project are yet to be announced, authoritative and up-to-date information can be found in local government announcements, city council reports, or by contacting Mönchengladbach's environmental or public order departments directly.
Gisela Heynert is pleased with the decision to establish this municipal pigeon management and looks forward to a cleaner, more animal-friendly Mönchengladbach.
- Gisela Heynert plans to incorporate "pigeon lofts" in home-and-garden properties as part of the proposed "tier-schutzkonformes Stadttaubenmanagement," aiming to reduce the pigeon count in city centers like Rheydter Markt, Harmonieplatz, and Bahnhofstraße.
- In her long-term solution, Heynert is advocating for a resettlement of pigeons according to the Augsburg model, which includes creating a lifestyle that is both beneficial for the city's cleanliness and the welfare of its pigeon population, aligning with her ensure pet well-being perspective.
