Lazise Confronts Growing Pigeon Problem in Historic Center
In some municipalities of the Bassa Veronese, an “open hunt” has been declared on the pigeons infesting the buildings of the historic city center. Concerns from bird protection associations have erupted in protest, with arguments in defense of the birds.
Situation in Lazise
Lazise is certainly not immune to this phenomenon, which is also increasing. The rise in the pigeon population is primarily due to the environment. The area falls within protected waters territory, or rather, a wildlife oasis. A similar issue is observed with ducks and coots.
However, these animals at least do not “stain” the sidewalks and the buildings of the historic center, but rather attract the attention of many tourists walking along the lakeside in summer and also during the holiday days of winter and the low season.
The pigeons have gradually taken over the Venetian Customs House, the Monument to the Fallen, the municipal residence, and even the parish church. Not to mention the historic Scaliger walls and the three gates built by the Scaligeri—the Porta del Lion to the south, the Porta San Zeno to the east, and the Porta Cansignorio to the north.
Anyone passing through that area, and to reach the historic center, cannot avoid it. They are constantly “at risk” of being pecked by a pigeon. In a tourist town like Lazise, this certainly does not do any credit, let alone serve as a good impression for visitors.
With their continuous flying back and forth on the crenellated walls, they also cause another damage: wearing down and removing the small amount of lime still present in the gaps of the red bricks of the city walls.
The defacement of the heritage of the city walls, a symbol of Lazise’s fortified town, is thus causing significant damage due to the birds. Finally, the constant disturbance starting early in the morning, especially in summer, caused by the continuous cooing of the pigeons, has been highlighted.
The municipal department responsible is also addressing the issue, facing not only bureaucratic but also social difficulties. A specific plan is under consideration to minimize the destruction caused by the pigeons over the years in the historic center.
The culling of the birds, as already proposed by some towns, is not planned except as a last resort. It is clear, however, that the phenomenon is “escalating,” and people are beginning to no longer tolerate it so much.
