Hollywood pigeons to use contraceptives
Hollywood residents believe that they have the answer to reduce the pigeon population in the city. The answer is a contraceptive for the birds…the pill!
In the coming months, OvoControl P, a birth control product which interferes with egg development, will be placed in the bird food in new rooftop feeders.
Bad situation, good solution
President of the Argyle Civic Association, the group leading the effort to try the new contraceptive, Laura Dodson: ”We think we’ve got a good solution to a bad situation. The poop problem has become unmanageable and this could be the answer.”
According to Dodson, representatives from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have contacted her group with the idea. The Humane Society of the United States apparently support “the pill” over electric shock gates, spiked rooftops, poisons etc.
Bird boom
Approximately 5,000 pigeons live in the area, creating a huge mess in terms of droppings. Their population boom is partly blamed on people feeding the birds.
OvoControl P has been registered with the state Department of Pesticide Regulation, as well as the US Environmental Protection Agency. Developed by Rancho Santa Fe-based Innolytics, the substance contains nicarbazin, which interferes with an egg’s ability to develop or hatch.
Dodson that she expects that results will be evident within a year, and that the area’s pigeon population will shrink 50% by 2012.
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