Sainsbury's High Wycombe pigeon nets cause shopper anger

Shoppers in High Wycombe are complaining about pigeon nets at Sainsbury's. A dead bird was found in the nets for almost a month, which is longer than expected.
By Newsroom | Retail, Animal Welfare |

Sainsbury's under fire over pigeon netting, with Gemma Johnson spearheading complaints.

Concerns mount regarding the effectiveness and alleged cruelty of pigeon deterrent netting installed at a Sainsbury's supermarket in High Wycombe. Shoppers, led by Gemma Johnson, are demanding the removal of the installations, citing instances of trapped and deceased birds. Complaints have been lodged with the retailer's head office, Buckinghamshire Council pest control, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

A customer claims a dead bird remained in the netting for nearly a month, from March 25 to around April 15, suggesting inadequate monitoring of trapped or decaying avian life. Sainsbury's maintains that daily checks are conducted.

Johnson, who has been documenting the situation, described the nets as "cruel" and voiced significant unease about the welfare of the birds. The campaign to have the netting removed has gained traction among other shoppers, who are urging the supermarket chain to address the issue at its Oxford Road location. The controversy highlights a conflict between pest control measures and the ethical treatment of urban wildlife.

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Background

The installations, intended to deter pigeons from nesting or roosting in the supermarket's car park, have become a focal point for public scrutiny. While pest control methods often involve physical barriers, the visible suffering of birds caught in such systems raises questions about the implementation and oversight of these strategies. The longevity of the observed deceased bird, if accurate, points to a potential disconnect between stated protocols and on-the-ground reality, irrespective of the stated intent of the netting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are shoppers upset about Sainsbury's pigeon nets in High Wycombe?
Shoppers are upset because they found a dead pigeon in the netting that stayed there for almost a month, from March 25 to April 15. They think the nets are cruel and want them removed.
Q: What does Sainsbury's say about the pigeon nets?
Sainsbury's says they check the nets every day. They put up the nets to stop pigeons from nesting in the car park.
Q: Who is Gemma Johnson and what is she doing?
Gemma Johnson is a shopper who is leading the complaints about the pigeon nets. She has been taking pictures and asking Sainsbury's, Buckinghamshire Council, and the RSPB to remove the nets.
Q: What is the main problem with the pigeon nets?
The main problem is that birds are getting trapped in the nets, and some are dying. Shoppers are worried about the welfare of the birds and think the supermarket is not checking the nets properly if dead birds are left for so long.