City tackles pigeon poop problem

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - City officials said pigeon poop has become a problem and people who help the birds could be in trouble.

“The whole concept is that if we don't feed the pigeons, then we can manage their population,” Albuquerque City councilor Brad Winter said.

Winter is sponsoring a new bill on the behalf of the city’s Environmental Health Department, to make feeding and harboring pigeons illegal.

He said that one neighborhood came under siege after some of the residents decided to feed the birds.

Pigeon poop is considered a health hazard.

“It’s going to be a very interesting discussion. I think the constituents support it,” Winter said. “You know you look downtown at some of the overpasses; you can see what pigeon droppings do, and the havoc that they create.”

The pigeon nuisance abatement ordinance is on the agenda for a city council committee meeting Monday.

If the bill passes, helping pigeons could come with a $100 fine.