Pigeon killings probed by police after 100 birds shot lifeless by pest management marksmen
Detectives have launched an investigation after nearly 100 pigeons were shot dead by pest control marksmen at Manchester Victoria railway station, sparking widespread outrage
Pictures of pigeons in Victoria Station , Manchester (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Police have launched an investigation after nearly 100 pigeons were shot dead at a major railway station. The dramatic act has sparked outrage among commuters and animal lovers.
The mass killing of the animals was carried out at Manchester Victoria railway station in a bid to tackle what rail bosses called an “unmanageable” pigeon population.
Nevertheless, the operation has now been halted as British Transport Police probe claims of cruelty and botched exterminations. Northern Trains, the nationalised rail operator, hired pest control company Ecolab to use air rifles against the pigeons last October.
The rail operator reportedly argued that the birds’ numbers had reached an “unmanageable” level. Over the course of two months, nearly 100 pigeons roosting in the Victorian-era station were killed during after-hours operations carried out every fortnight by Ecolab “marksmen”.
However, the cull was halted after complaints that some birds were left alive but badly injured. Moreover, Northern admitted the operation had caused “distress” when commuters discovered suffering pigeons at the station, The Telegraph reported.
One particularly distressing incident reportedly saw a bloodied pigeon found “trapped upside down” on a ledge in a “critical condition” on October 28. Manchester Pigeon Rehab, a volunteer group caring for the birds, reported: “Injuries were so severe [a] leg required amputation by a vet.”
The group also recounted another case in November, when “a member of the public [also] reported a grounded pigeon on the day of a cull”. Upon rescue, “a pellet was found lodged in their neck”.
The pellet was removed and, after a period of recovery, the bird was released in December. British Transport Police are now looking into the incident.
A spokesperson said: “Officers received a report on Friday, February 6 of pigeons that had been culled at Manchester Victoria railway station in October 2025. Enquiries into the circumstances of the cull are ongoing.”
According to documents seen by The Telegraph, Northern told Manchester Pigeon Rehab that the cull was a “last option” and only implemented after “all other reasonable avenues to mitigate the health and safety risk caused by the birds” had been exhausted. The operator maintains that the action was necessary because pigeons were “posing a risk to colleagues and customers”.
John Horsley from the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) explained that pigeon droppings can present a “public health risk”, create a “potential slip hazard” and “can lead to respiratory complaints”. However, he advised that using firearms is not the most “effective” way to control pigeon populations.
He said: “The most effective way to deter pigeons from a particular site is to remove food sources. Bins should be kept securely closed, ensure the area is free of litter and debris and clear up any spills.”
He also reminded that “pigeons – like all wild birds, their nests and eggs – are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which means anyone who disturbs them and who is not operating under an appropriate licence, may face prosecution”. He added: “In certain circumstances, management and control techniques may be required, but anyone concerned about pigeons should always seek advice from a BPCA member who specialises in bird control.”
Northern has since ended the licensed cull and stated there are no plans for it to resume. A spokesperson shared: “This pest control activity was carried out at Manchester Victoria station last year, as the pigeons were becoming unmanageable and posing a risk to colleagues and customers.
“This was undertaken by a licensed and specialist subcontractor, following surveys and risk assessments. We use a number of other methods to deal with pigeons at stations across our network.
“We are reviewing the footage posted on social media and are sorry for any distress caused. Since the issue was brought to our attention in December we have instructed our contractors to cease activity and no further culls are planned at Manchester Victoria.”
A spokesperson for Ecolab commented: “Ecolab supports our customers in maintaining clean, safe and healthy environments. Our services are delivered under contract and in accordance with applicable regulatory and licensing requirements.”
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