SUMMARY. Residents of Market Square have submitted 214 complaints in twelve months about the large pigeon population. This report assesses four options and recommends a response.
BACKGROUND. The estimated pigeon population has risen from 150 to 900 since the closure of the central bakery, which previously provided an informal supply of food. Concerns include cleanliness, noise and the damage to the fountain, which will cost an estimated 18,000 euros to repair.
OPTIONS. Option A is a fine of 100 euros for feeding birds in public. This is simple, but difficult to enforce. Option B is the use of a trained falcon. This would be effective, but has attracted unfavourable comments from a local campaign group. Option C is the use of a special feed that reduces the birds' fertility. It is humane, but results would take two or three years. Option D is to take no action. The Council would then expect complaints to increase by an estimated 40 percent.
RECOMMENDATION. The Council should adopt Option C, together with a public information campaign. A small number of feeding points, away from the fountain, will be used for the special feed. The Council notes that Mrs Eleanor Pym, aged 81, has fed the pigeons daily for thirty years and has offered to supervise the programme without payment. Her offer is gratefully accepted.
COST. Estimated cost: 9,500 euros in the first year.
Fiction note: All people, places and events in this text are fictional.