Pigeons and Poison in Saskatoon – Advocacy Project Origins
For many years, we had a wonderful woman who took in our injured & orphaned pigeons. She was amazing at going all over the city, helping with “nuisance” birds, giving information and advice, and advocating for these maligned but intelligent birds.
When she was no longer able to provide this service, and we began caring for these birds at the facility, we quickly became aware of just how many had seizures after ingesting poisoned corn! So many of these birds did not survive.
As the bodies piled up, we realized that these birds are not the only ones at risk from this devastating practice. Crows were seen picking at the poisoned pigeons; our falconer friends worried that the Peregrines might catch and eat a poisoned pigeon; dogs and cats might pick up a dead or dying bird and be at risk of ingesting the poison, as well as other wildlife. The full potential of the risk to the community was astounding.
What We Have Done:
We gave a presentation to the Saskatoon City Council and asked them to ban the use of neurotoxins in the city limits. The most commonly used neurotoxin for pigeons is Avitrol. They agreed that the city itself would no longer use this method to “manage” the pigeon population, but pest management companies continue to be hired by individuals and companies to place poisoned corn in the city.
We always know when a fresh batch of poison has been put out by the upswing in the number of poisoned pigeon calls we receive, and the seizing/dying pigeons that are brought to us for care. Unfortunately, there is no antidote to the neurotoxin, and we can only provide a safe place until they die or recover.
How You Can Help
If you care to add your voice in asking for the Saskatoon City Council to ban the use of bird poison (especially Avitrol) within city limits, sign this petition. We will bring it forward to Council in spring 2021 and see where we get with our request. The more voices the Council hears, the more they will realize how wrong this outdated practice is, and should be ended!
Sign our petition: Ban the use/sale of Avitrol in Saskatoon (Change.org)
Other Ways to Help
Use your voice and express your opinion to City Council on the matter:
- Write a letter via the on-line platform: https://www.saskatoon.ca/write-letter-councilcommittees
- Speak to the matter at a Committee Meeting.
- Write or speak to your own City Councilor.
If the City is unable or unwilling to ban the poison outright, we would like them to at least consider a mandatory signage program. Signs that are visible to the public at addresses where they have used the poison would provide the local community with the knowledge and the ability to take steps to protect their pets as needed. There is a similar signage requirement for companies using pesticides on lawns to ensure they notify the neighborhood via a sign that the lawn was treated with pesticides.
Our Data
In 2025, we received 73 pigeons, all clearly in the throes of poison toxicity. Many died, painfully, as a result. This number only includes the pigeons that came into our care or that we know of. The ones that made their way to us, one way or another.
This is a problem. Not just because of the inhumane treatment of wildlife, but also the risk of secondary poisoning, bioaccumulation, accidental exposure, and the unnecessary suffering of innocent creatures, when non-lethal deterrents exist.
If you are in the areas indicated on the map above, keep an eye out for pigeons and other animals that may be experiencing symptoms of poisoning, such as loss of motor control, thrashing/seizing/convulsing, pupil dilation, increased distressed vocalizations, and more. These areas are high traffic for both wild animals and people with pets. The risk is hardly worth the ‘reward’ of ‘deterring’ pigeons by poisoning.