Disease carriers?
Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis are both caused by a fungus that grows in pigeon droppings. High exposure — not just cleaning off windowsills — can cause the illnesses. People with compromised immune systems are most at risk.
Published 00:58, June the 12th, 2009
Pigeons have their day
Group wants to raise pigeon awareness, some say it’s enough already
Many New Yorkers view them as flying rats and disease carriers. To others, they’re doves — literally — and pleasant, cooing company.
The lowly pigeons that leave their droppings on heads of bygone luminaries, benches and building ledges have been the subject of much ire, including a Brooklyn City Councilman who tried to impose $1,000 fines for feeding pigeons.
Pigeon Day organizers hope to change perceptions on Saturday and raise awareness of a problem facing their beloved bird: pigeon-napping for Pennsylvania pigeon shoots.
“Onlookers have watched people in vans pull in to city parks and busy streets, lure pigeons with feed-filled nets, then scoop the birds up and drive off,” said Patrick Kwan, of the Humane Society.
The practice was “part of a larger underground trade in blood sports akin to dogfights” where “thousands of birds are killed in cruel gambling contests” at gun clubs.
Some may not be too concerned about the illegal netting. The Humane Society has been working 20 years in Pennsylvania to ban the bloody shooting sport.
“They should control the pigeons, not celebrate them,” said Norely Hernandez, a Staten Island college student. “One time, I was on the boat ... and one flew right into my face.”
