Sainsbury’s is responding to public concern following fears of a pigeon cull at the historic Green Park Station in Bath, a site now home to cafes, markets, and a popular community hub adjacent to the retailer’s superstore.
Animal rights campaigners raised alarms this week after hearing reports of a planned “pigeon cull” to clear birds nesting above the market hall. Protect The Wild, an animal welfare organization, launched a petition against the cull, gathering nearly 7,000 signatures and organizing a protest at the station on Tuesday night. Their presence reportedly halted the initial cull attempt, though concerns about the pigeons’ future persist.
Sainsbury’s clarified that the birds are being displaced only to facilitate essential netting repairs and that animal welfare remains a priority. A company spokesperson stated, “We take animal welfare seriously and are committed to a safe removal of pigeons from Bath Green Park Station’s roof to allow necessary repairs, ensuring the birds’ protection throughout the process.” There is currently no intention to harm the pigeons.
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According to the RSPCA, non-lethal solutions are preferred when managing bird populations, with lethal control considered only if other measures fail and under strict licensing. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 regulates the legal protection of pigeons, requiring appropriate permits for any lethal control.
Campaigners also highlight that damaged or poorly maintained netting poses a severe threat to birds, potentially trapping them and causing preventable suffering. Bath Swan Rescue reached out to the community to assist in protecting the pigeons, sharing updates that the cull was called off following public intervention. However, they reported discovering an injured juvenile pigeon now under care.
Amy Lovell, lead for Bath Swan Rescue, confirmed the cancellation of the cull during Tuesday’s event but noted fears it might be postponed rather than permanently stopped, especially after a pest control company, Rentokil, was named to conduct repair work, sparking further concern.
Protect The Wild continues to demand transparency and assurances from Sainsbury’s, seeking official confirmation that no cull will occur now or in the future. Spokesperson Charlotte Smith emphasized their commitment: “We will maintain pressure until there is public confirmation of the cull’s cancellation and a commitment to humane alternatives.”