What are the Pigeon Control Laws in Houston?
Pigeons are one of the most common birds in metropolitan areas. This can cause health problems for those inside buildings infested by pigeons, including respiratory problems mite infestations. As a large metropolitan area in Texas, Houston residents have to deal with pigeons on a daily basis. Before you try to deal with the pigeons yourself, you must understand the local and regional animal control laws.
Other People Are Reading
-
Personal Removal of Pigeons
-
The Department of Health and Human Services has many ordinances in place concerning the well-being of animals within the Houston city limits. According to section 6-5 of the Houston and Wylie Texas Animal Control Ordinances, it is unlawful for anyone other than a peace officer or approved animal control officer to catch or impound any animals, including pigeons.
Lethal Removal Techniques
-
Removing pigeons with violent or lethal means is a violation of Houston's city ordinances. According to the section 6-16 of the Animal Control Ordinances, "It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot or attempt to shoot or kill with any air rifle, bow and arrow, slingshot or firearm or other means, or to ensnare or catch by any means whatsoever any wild birds, old or young, within the limits of the city." If you are caught using lethal means to remove pigeons, approved officers can issue fines and violation citations.
If an animal control officer deems killing the pigeons necessary, he will use lethal methods that are in compliance with the American Veterinary Medical Association's guidelines.
-
Non-Lethal Removal Techniques
-
If the infestation is confined to one particular area of a residence, animal control officers will often choose to use non-lethal mean to combat the pigeon problem. Animal control groups in Houston are certified to remove the pigeons' nests and can help set up barriers to prevent future infestations. They are also able to use safe trapping cages to move the birds to new locations away from urban populations.
-
