The capture and removal of pigeons in the parks of Mérida’s Historical Center is a real situation and has even prompted the intervention of animal rights organizations, which are calling on authorities to pay attention to the issue.
Animal rights and environmental protection groups point out that pigeons in the parks of Mérida’s Historic Center “are captured for sale, human consumption, or simply to be killed.”
Elsa Arceo Medina, head of the group “United Independent Rescuers” in Mérida, commented that this situation has been going on for several years, but social media is now making it more visible.
The activist opined that the captured pigeons may end up in the market, where they would be sold, although there have also been reports that they are used for human consumption. Elsa Arceo Medina was contacted after some citizens who like to go to the parks to feed the birds said they had seen how “they are captured and taken away in large bags.”
The Mérida City Council reported that it is unaware of these incidents, as neither workers nor citizens have filed a complaint so far.
Rescuer Raúl Argáez Ortega shared a similar opinion, believing that the animals are captured and taken for food, which poses health risks.
He said their consumption is not recommended “because they are urban pigeons, they don’t have a healthy diet as they ingest everything, and they can cause illness to those who eat them.” He also recalled that a few years ago, poisoned pigeons were found in parks in Santiago and San Juan.
The rescuer pointed out that this is the work of bad people who go to these places to throw food laced with poison, which unfortunately happens often with dogs and cats.
Argáez Ortega commented that some pigeons are captured and taken to be kept as pets, which is also not recommended because, being urban pigeons, “they contract many bacteria that can affect humans and animals at home.” He encouraged the public to leave them in their habitat, not disturb them, and respect them.
TYT Newsroom
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