Concerns supermarket netting is hurting pigeons

Supermarket customers are appealing for the removal of pigeon netting in a car park.

Residents of High Wycombe noticed pigeons getting trapped, injured, and even dying in the bird netting hanging from the local Sainsbury's.

Gemma Johnson, who is leading the campaign, said: "I went to do my shopping and there was a fledgling pigeon that was trapped and was sort of calling out and then beside the fledgling pigeon, there was a dead pigeon that was rotting."

A spokesperson for Sainsbury's said some of the netting at the store had been damaged, and they were "working urgently to put this right".

The statement read: "We take animal welfare seriously and our team is carrying out multiple daily checks, working with specialist contractors to free any birds that are trapped as quickly and safely as possible."

It explained that the netting was used for "various reasons, including hygiene and to help prevent damage".

Johnson said parts of the netting had loose sections and gaps where birds could enter but not escape, leading them to starve to death.

Andrew Collier, who runs Buckinghamshire Pest Control in Aylesbury, told the BBC that netting must be checked weekly to be effective and humane.

He also highlighted alternatives to netting, such as double-layered spikes.

The pest controller added: "There is a chemical out there... it gives off some sort of ultraviolet ray and the pigeons think the building's on fire."

He also warned members of the public against cutting the birds free, as their droppings could carry serious diseases.

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