TfL shoots 655 pigeons at London stations in two years

Transport for London has killed 655 pigeons at its stations and depots over the past two years, using air rifles during overnight culls. The figures, obtained through freedom of information requests, cover 120 organised shootings between March 2024 and March 2026.

TfL said the culls are necessary to maintain a safe and clean environment for passengers and staff. A spokesperson told the BBC that pigeon waste carries risks of bacteria and insects, while nesting materials create fire hazards and structural damage to infrastructure.

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Culls as last resort

The authority said it prioritises prevention and non-lethal methods, such as deterrents and infrastructure modifications. Culling is only used when these measures fail to address safety risks. TfL contracts pest control firm Mitie to carry out the shootings, which take place in the early hours when stations are closed to the public.

A TfL spokesperson said: "Our approach is focused on prevention, and the avoidance of animal cruelty is taken very seriously. We continue to invest in preventative measures as our primary approach, exhausting all appropriate non-lethal methods."

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The spokesperson added that humane dispatchers are used to minimise suffering. The government issues licences for culling feral pigeons to prevent serious disease or protect public health and safety, though wild birds are otherwise protected by UK law.

Wildlife groups criticise culls

Culling has been proven to be an ineffective long-term solution, particularly at open-air sites, and, conversely, can actually increase population numbers.

Michael Britton, founder of London Bird Rescue

Wildlife groups have condemned the culls as outdated and ineffective. Michael Britton, founder of London Bird Rescue, told the BBC that shooting pigeons can worsen population control, as new birds often replace those killed. He said many organisations have adopted successful no-kill approaches, such as anti-perch slopes and infrastructure modifications.

Britton cited countries like France, Germany and Switzerland, where dovecotes have been used effectively to manage pigeon populations. He urged TfL to revise its strategy and adopt a non-lethal policy, calling the current approach "archaic, barbaric and unintelligent."

What happens next

TfL said it will continue to invest in preventative measures and review its approach to pigeon management. The authority has not announced plans to end culling but said it remains committed to minimising animal cruelty. Wildlife groups have called for public consultation on alternative methods.