Dozens of pigeons found dead, convulsing after being poisoned in Toronto

The Toronto Wildlife Centre issued a call to action after dozens of pigeons were found dead or convulsing, likely after being poisoned in a neighbourhood north of the city.

The wildlife centre says the birds were discovered recently in North York in the Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue West area.

“We have sent bodies for testing. If you find birds who are seizing, have wing tremors or are unable to fly, please call our Hotline at 416-631-0662,” a spokesperson for the Toronto Wildlife Centre said.

❗️RESIDENTS OF BATHURST AND STEELES❗️
Dozens of pigeons were found dead or convulsing in the area after likely being poisoned. We have sent bodies for testing. If you find birds who are seizing, have wing tremors, or are unable to fly please call our Hotline at 416-631-0662. pic.twitter.com/lE7RQy3vFI

— Toronto Wildlife Centre (@TWC_Wildlife) July 22, 2022

Rock Pigeons are very common doves in Ontario, especially in Toronto, but they are almost exclusively found in urban areas.

Just over a year ago, a motion was proposed by Toronto city councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam to prohibit the feeding of birds in public and private spaces.

In her motion — which was to be reviewed by city council — Wong-Tam said that a large flock of pigeons “create harmful nuisance” and, in addition to causing property damage, said food scraps left by pigeons attract unwanted guests, such as rats.

“Those feeding Toronto’s pigeons may not be conscious of the adverse implications and unintended consequences resulting from their well-intended behaviour,” the motion states.

“Large flocks of birds in public and private spaces create harmful nuisance because they interfere with the enjoyment and use of the public and private property.”

The city already has a bylaw that bans feeding or attempting to feed wildlife in parks, but that ban does not apply outside those green spaces. Wong-Tam argued in her motion that the existing bylaw had not been actively enforced.