Children Chasing Pigeons

[Wispy68]

Why do so many parents allow (and encourage) their children to scare and chase pigeons? "Vermin" or not, I really don't understand why anyone would show their children that it's okay to be cruel to any animal. Really annoys the hell out of me (for the animals sake) whenever I see it happening.

[viv38]

I totally agree with you. I see this often in town and it really annoys me. I will bring my son up to have respect for other creatures and not let him do this !

[woofgang]

thoughtlessness.

[heathfield]

I'm old enough to remember the days when town pigeons were much more shy, and wouldn't come withing 10 or 12 feet of a human. They've become more and more tame over time. Kids who chase them are slowing down the process, keeping pigeons wary. Given the chance, I tell the kids about this, and most understand that, if they pretend to ignore the pigeons, they'll come closer.

[rsvp]

I wouldn't be too concerned from the pigeon's point of view because they are programmed to move out of the way of perceived danger and do (I imagine) view screaming children in much the same way as they do hunting cats etc. What is of concern though (as you point out Wispy68) is why on earth would any parent encourage this?

[dunnitall]

Agree with you Wispy, hate to see it myself and I have no qualms in yelling at the children to leave them alone and if parents retaliate I have no qualms in telling them to teach children how to behave when around animals!!

[Hopkirk]

I bet the pigeons aren't really bothered.

[2sp_]

I do shew away pigeons and seagulls, but I wouldn't class it as chasing as such.

If people wouldn't feed these birds, they wouldn't be so bold.

But I do agree, parents should not be encouraging children to be cruel or attack animals and birds.

[dunnitall]

Hopkirk, bothered or not children should not hassle animals ( or humans for that matter) and parents (gawd 'elp us) should control their children in all circumstances.

[anneasquith]

I've yet to see a pigeon being caught or harmed by a child,

[Hopkirk]

I agree, and wouldn't have allowed or encouraged my children to do it when younger..

However I reserve my passion for stopping cruelty to animals to things that really hurt or distress animals, like fox hunting.

I very much doubt if a pigeon is particularly bothered by little brats.

[dunnitall]

Hopefully they are not hopkirk...and totally agree with you on barbaric fox hunting.

[weecalf]

Blackadder got court marshalled for shooting one. Speckled George I believe .So kiddies beware

[askyourgran]

I didn't think parents would encourage children to do that, it's just childish behaviour. Pigeons/seagulls are vermin and a nuisance and it doesn't help that some idiots feed them. Can't say I've shooed them away at any time, but I do remember stamping on a whole line of ants as a child. Does that make me a person to avoid?

[dunnitall]

Ants easier to squash than pigeons n seagulls....? Hmmmm

[Wispy68]

Thanks for your replies.
Of course there are far more serious issues where animal abuse is concerned. I'm absolutely disgusted and sickened by all forms of cruelty to animals and wasn't giving "Chasing Pigeons" importance over fox hunting, dog fighting, torture, etc.
My point was that these clueless, idiotic parents need to teach their children that it's wrong to frighten ANY animal, regardless of whether it's a pet, or a wild bird.

[237SJ]

I get far more annoyed by the idiots in the park who let their dogs chase the deer and birdlife.